U.S. government prepares for potential cyberattacks from Russia [Video]

• As the conflict in Ukraine mounts, the U.S. government is preparing for potential cyberattacks from Russia.
• Russia’s attacks could impact government offices, satellites, GPS, and production, cyber experts say.
• New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has announced the creation of the New York Joint Security Operations Center to coordinate defenses from cyberattacks.

U.S. government officials have predicted that Russia could launch widespread cyberattacks that could affect not just Ukraine, but also America.

Cyber experts have warned that such cyberattacks could target communications, banks, power plants, and water treatment facilities. Russia, in particular, has the ability to disable or destroy U.S. satellites. These attacks can affect GPS used for navigation, automation, oil exploration, and farming.

Cybersecurity expert and FitechGelb CEO Ian Marlow said that such attacks can affect “our food supply,” power supply, and utilities, which will affect service.

While 100% protection against cyberattacks cannot be assured, there are still several simple measures that can be taken for protection.

Marlow said, “There are many things that companies are able to do in order to circumvent these issues, which are, quite honestly, not that difficult to put in. They’re readily available to small, medium, and large size companies. You just have to be proactive.”

Marlow stated, “There [are] warning signs that can be taken and you can typically thwart many of the things that occur during the times that the warning signs are occurring.”

Government agencies have already been put on alert. New York, in particular, has started to ramp up its cybersecurity defenses to protect the state’s institutions and critical infrastructure.

Gov. Kathy Hochul said, “New York state is a leader in the finance, healthcare, energy, and transportation sectors. Our state is an attractive target for cybercriminals and foreign adversaries.”

According to Newsweek, the FBI has already warned U.S. businesses to be on the lookout for possible cyberattacks by Russia.

While experts think that Russia would avoid the risk of a cyberwar with the U.S., conflict could quickly get out of hand.

World leaders quickly imposed sanctions on Russia after President Vladimir Putin ordered to deploy troops to Ukraine’s breakaway regions.

Source: FOX 5 NY