US Receives Cyberattack Warnings

On Tuesday, Biden informed reporters that the US would impose penalties on two big Russian financial organizations and Russian national debt. According to administration officials, additional penalties have been charged over members of the Russian elite and their families.

Following President Joe Biden’s report of new sanctions against Russia, businesses and local governments in the United States have been notified to prepare for any cyberattacks. 

“This is the beginning of a Russian invasion of Ukraine,” Biden said, adding, “Russia has now undeniably moved against Ukraine by declaring these independent states.”

After Biden’s new sanction announcement, a senior FBI cyber official reported to US corporate executives and state and municipal officials about potential ransomware. FBI Cyber Section director David Ring allegedly asked state and local authorities and business executives to consider how ransomware could disrupt the delivery of critical services.

According to the conversation, Ring described Russia as a “permissive operating environment” for cyber-criminals that “isn’t going to get any smaller” as geopolitical tensions between the US and Russia over Ukraine continue to grow. He warned that the US might experience an increase in cyber-threat movement from hackers operating with the backing of Russia.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) noted that it has been waging a cybersecurity awareness campaign to urge Americans to preventive measures on digital protection.

DHS spokesperson said, “DHS has been participating in an outreach campaign to ensure that public and private sector partners are aware of developing cybersecurity dangers and taking steps to strengthen their cybersecurity preparation.”

Principal research scientist at Sophos, Chester Wisniewski, warned that pro-Russian cybercriminals might attack Americans as an act of patriotism.

“Non-state actors often attack perceived enemies in a sort of patriotic fervor, which could lead to an increase in cybercrime originating from criminals supporting the Russian cause,” said Wisniewski.