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Biden warns of Russian cyberattacks

Biden urged private businesses to be vigilant against cyberattacks

March 21, 2022 3:45pm

Updated: March 22, 2022 9:11am

President Joe Biden released a statement Monday warning of potential Russian cyberattacks amid Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine.

"I have previously warned about the potential that Russia could conduct malicious cyber activity against the United States, including as a response to the unprecedented economic costs we’ve imposed on Russia alongside our allies and partners. It's part of Russia’s playbook," Biden said in a White House press release.

"Today, my Administration is reiterating those warnings based on evolving intelligence that the Russian Government is exploring options for potential cyberattacks," Biden wrote.

It is unclear if a specific event prompted Biden's warning, but earlier this month, Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines warned that Russia presents a "serious cyber threat" to the United States.

U.S. officials have confirmed several Russian cyberattacks against Ukraine thus far in the war.

Biden urged private businesses to be vigilant against digital aggression in his statement Monday.

"My Administration will continue to use every tool to deter, disrupt, and if necessary, respond to cyberattacks against critical infrastructure. But the Federal Government can’t defend against this threat alone," he said. "Most of America’s critical infrastructure is owned and operated by the private sector and critical infrastructure owners and operators must accelerate efforts to lock their digital doors."