On March 21, 2022, the White House issued a dramatic warning based on “evolving intelligence” about the potential for Russia to threaten America with cyber attacks in response to U.S.-imposed economic sanctions. In a separate statement, President Biden said that “the Russian Government is exploring options for potential cyberattacks.” He urged the private sector, especially those that operate critical infrastructure, to “harden your cyber defenses immediately by implementing the best practices we have developed together over the last year.” According to Anne Neuberger, the Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber and Emerging Technology, Russia has been conducting “preparatory activities”, which she said could include scanning of websites and hunting for software vulnerabilities.

In addition to CISA’s Shields-Up campaign, which we covered in a previous blog post, the White House’s March 21 Fact Sheet stresses the urgency of key cyber hygiene steps including recommendations to: (more…)