USA warns businesses of possible Russian cyberattacks

US President Biden warned American business leaders of possible Russian cyberattacks in response to US sanctions on Russia. He advised American businesses to urgently strengthen their companies’ cyber defences, which Biden suggested is their patriotic duty. Biden noted that ‘The magnitude of Russia’s cyber capacity is fairly consequential and it’s coming.’ He also stated that ‘one of the tools [Putin’s] most likely to use, in my view – in our view – is cyber attacks. They have a very sophisticated cyber capability,’ and continued by arguing, ‘The point is that he has the capability. He hasn’t used it yet, but it’s part of his playbook.’

Earlier on Monday, the Biden administration issued a warning about Russian malicious cyber activity because of evolving threat intelligence that Russia is exploring options for cyberattacks against the USA and that those attacks might target critical infrastructure. Dmitry Peskov, press secretary to the president of Russia, responded to the allegations regarding potential Russian cyberattacks: ‘The Russian Federation, unlike many Western countries, including the United States, does not engage in banditry at the state level.’