The US President Joe Biden, citing “constantly evolving information”, said Monday that Russia was thinking about computer attacks against the United States.
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It’s been several weeks since the US administration encourages US companies to prepare for possible cyber attacks on the sidelines of the war in Ukraine, but this time the threat seems to have passed a notch: US President Joe Biden, citing “Constantly evolving information”, warned Monday, March 21 that Russia reflected computer attacks aimed at the United States. So far, the White House had certainly prompted the private sector to strengthen its IT defenses, but had clarified not having credible information on an imminent attack.
This warning, very rare for cyberattacks, echoes Washington warnings and the US security apparatus in the weeks preceding the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The United States had repeatedly reported information in their possession announcing a Russian invasion.
The White House does not specify what nature are these “information” as to a future digital offensive, and does not give date or indication of potential targets. According to Anne Neuberger, Mr. Biden Advisor for Cybersecurity, American authorities have detected “preparatory work” in connection with state-owned computer hackers. According to the New York Times , the US government shared this information confidentially with the private sector last week.
“The national interest is at stake”
The White House alert aims more specifically for “critical infrastructures”, such as communication, electricity or water networks. “Most critical infrastructure belongs to the private sector” Note the US President, highlighting for them the need to “accelerate efforts to close [their] digital doors”. “The national interest is at stake,” said US President at a round table with representatives of the business world, shortly before his official communiqué. “One of the tools that [Vladimir Putin] is the most likely to use is cyber attacks. They have very sophisticated cyber capabilities. [Putin] did not use them to date, but it’s part of his tactics” Has he notified .
A fear shared by experts, who are numerous to think that the chief of the Kremlin could use cyberattacks as a way to counteract the West without engaging in an open conflict. “Western penalties and help to Ukraine could lead to Russian hackers to unleash the West, sending a clear message:” Stop, we can make it much worse for you “” written for example Chris Krebs , the former director of the American Cybersecurity Agency, in the Financial Times .