As President Biden warned Americans and businesses on Monday against the continued cybersecurity threats from Russian state actors, Alejandro N. Mayorkas, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, released the following statement on cybersecurity preparedness:
As the Russian Government explores options for potential cyberattacks against the United States, the Department of Homeland Security continues to work closely with our partners across every level of government, in the private sector, and with local communities to protect our country's networks and critical infrastructure from malicious cyber activity. Organizations of every size and across every sector should continue enhancing their cybersecurity defenses. Organizations can visit CISA.gov/Shields-Up for best practices on how to protect their networks, and they should report anomalous cyber activity and/or cyber incidents to report@cisa.gov or (888) 282-0870 or to an FBI field office. DHS will continue to share timely and actionable information and intelligence to ensure our partners and the public have the tools they need to keep our communities safe and secure and increase nationwide cybersecurity preparedness.
Notwithstanding the warnings, U.S. businesses have significantly improved their security protocols due to constant cyber aggression over the last several years (whether by Russia or otherwise). While this has certainly helped companies better identify, thwart, and react to cyberattacks, businesses and individuals must remain vigilant in order to spot and prevent future cyberattacks. Recalling The Three Musketeers rally cry of "all for one and one for all," success in the fight against cybersecurity threats and attacks requires attentiveness from all—beyond simply relying on network securities that businesses have implemented.
Nixon Peabody's Cybersecurity & Data Privacy team is experienced in data breach preparation and response, including handling sensitive security incidents, guiding clients through a breach, and ensuring it doesn't happen again.