Biden warns private sector of possible Russian cyber attacks

The president of the United States, Joe Biden, has warned businesses and non-governmental organisations in the state to immediately reinforce “their defences against possible cyber attacks by the Russian government. It was called to “developing intelligence information” suggesting such plans by the Kremlin.

I call on our partners in the private sector to immediately strengthen their cyber defences... We need everyone to do our part to fight one of our time threats”, Biden said on March 21st, according to a statement issued by the White House.

US officials who have long accused Russian activists of cyberattacks against American citizens, organisations and governments, often said to have been actions led by the Kremlin.

Experts have warned of increasing danger from such attacks after Russia began the invasion of Ukraine, and the West responded with severe sanctions, but also with increasing military aid to Kiev.

“This is a critical moment to accelerate our work on improving cyber security within the country and to increase our national sustainability”, Biden said.

“More recently warned that Russia can carry out cyber activities against the United States, including our response with the establishment of the unprecedented economic costs we have imposed on Russia along with our allies and partners”, the American president added.

However, President Biden has no details regarding intelligence data suggesting cyberattacks could occur. According to the American president, the federal government has only increased cyber defence and called for the private sector to do the same to protect critical infrastructure.

In February, several Ukrainian Government Web sites and Ukrainian banks were hit by cyberattacks. Kiev blamed Moscow for these attacks.

Moscow has denied any involvement. / REL