(Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
President Biden today signaled that he’s ready to strike back if Russia uses cyberattacks to hit the US amid its invasion of Ukraine.
“If Russia pursues cyberattacks against our companies, our critical infrastructure, we are prepared to respond,” Biden said in a Thursday address to the US public.
Biden made the statement as he announced new sanctions to punish the Russian government for invading Ukraine. The sanctions are designed to cripple Russia’s economy and block technology exports to the country.
“We estimate they'll cut off half of Russia’s high-tech imports,” Biden said of the sanctions. “It’ll strike a blow to their ability to continue to modernize their military. It’ll degrade their aerospace industry, including their space program."
However, the same sanctions could trigger the Kremlin to retaliate with cyberattacks. Ukraine itself has already faced a barrage of DDoS and Windows-wiping malware attacks that many suspect came from the Russian government in the lead-up to the invasion.
How the US would strike back at a Russian cyberattack was left unsaid. But NBC News reports that Biden has been presented with a number of options “to carry out massive cyberattacks” designed to hinder Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine.
The options include disrupting internet access across Russia, shutting down electric power, and even tampering with railroad switches to divert trains from resupplying Russian forces. However, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki called the NBC News report “off base,” claiming it didn’t reflect what was actually discussed with Biden.
In his Thursday address, Biden added: “For months, we have been working closely with the private sector to harden our cyber defenses, sharpen our ability to respond to cyberattacks as well.” In addition, the US government launched a “shields up” program, which includes tips for how domestic companies and organizations can bolster their IT defenses against hacking.
Biden also said the US is sending more troops to Europe, but only to protect NATO allies, not to engage in combat in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin is warning other countries not to interfere with the invasion, vowing he’ll retaliate with “consequences you have never seen,” according to the Associated Press.
Stay Safe With the Latest Security News and Updates
By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up!
Your subscription has been confirmed. Keep an eye on your inbox!
About Our Expert
I've been a journalist for over 15 years. I got my start as a schools and cities reporter in Kansas City and joined PCMag in 2017, where I cover satellite internet services, cybersecurity, PC hardware, and more. I'm currently based in San Francisco, but previously spent over five years in China, covering the country's technology sector.
Since 2020, I've covered the launch and explosive growth of SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service, writing 600+ stories on availability and feature launches, but also the regulatory battles over the expansion of satellite constellations, fights with rival providers like AST SpaceMobile and Amazon, and the effort to expand into satellite-based mobile service. I've combed through FCC filings for the latest news and driven to remote corners of California to test Starlink's cellular service.
I also cover cyber threats, from ransomware gangs to the emergence of AI-based malware. Earlier this year, the FTC forced Avast to pay consumers $16.5 million for secretly harvesting and selling their personal information to third-party clients, as revealed in my joint investigation with Motherboard.
I also cover the PC graphics card market. Pandemic-era shortages led me to camp out in front of a Best Buy to get an RTX 3000. I'm now following how President Trump's tariffs will affect the industry. I'm always eager to learn more, so please jump in the comments with feedback and send me tips.
- Apple Brings Another One of Its Apps to the Web
- US Traces Ransomware Attacks to 2 People Working for Cybersecurity Firms
- SpaceX Moves to Block Third-Party Starlink Sales in Unauthorized Markets
- YouTube TV Loses ESPN, ABC. Check Out Our Top Picks for Live TV Alternatives
- Our Editors' Favorite Routers Could Soon Be Banned by the US Govt. Here's Why
- More from Michael Kan
