The settlement is related to Verizon’s offering under the Trusted Internet Connections program, which assists federal agencies with secure internet connections.

Sens. Gary Peters, D-Mich., and Mike Braun, R-Ind., have co-sponsored the bill, which would close certain loopholes in whistleblower protections.

The federal contractor is the second company to be prosecuted as part of the DOJ’s civil-cyber fraud initative.

Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco says the department will ensure those who come forward are 'protected and compensated.'

Senior official Brian Boynton says the enforcement action will help spur contractors and grantees to comply with cybersecurity requirements.