Topline
Russian actors have conducted cyber activity consistent with the early phases of a cyber attack against at least 23 American companies across the energy and defense sectors, according to a Federal Bureau of Investigation memo obtained by CBS News and CNN Tuesday, a day after the U.S. warned there are signs Russia is planning a cyberattack on critical American infrastructure.
The FBI shared it has evidence of Russian cyber actors scanning at least 23 American companies’ … [+]
Key Facts
Hackers using Russia-based IP addresses scanned the websites of five American energy companies and 18 more companies involved in defense, financial services and other sectors, the FBI said in the Friday advisory sent to American businesses, according to CBS News and CNN.
The FBI warned in the memo the activity stems from IP addresses associated with prior attacks and “likely indicates early stages of reconnaissance, scanning networks for vulnerabilities for use in potential future intrusions.”
Anne Neuberger, the deputy national security advisor for cyber and emerging technology, said Monday there was evidence Russia has conducted “preparatory activity” for a cyberattack on American infrastructure and the White House hosted classified briefings with companies it deemed susceptible to attacks, but did not share evidence of what the activity was or what sectors the U.S. believed Russia planned to target.
Key Background
President Joe Biden said in a Monday statement there is “evolving intelligence” suggesting Russia is mulling cyberattacks on the U.S., though Neuberger clarified later Monday there is no evidence of any specific or imminent attacks. The U.S. has blamed the Russian government for numerous cyberattacks against the U.S., and said last month Russian hackers obtained sensitive but unclassified information from American defense contractors starting in 2020. Russia conducted 58% of all state-sponsored cyberattacks between July 2020 and June 2021, according to Microsoft’s latest digital defense report.
Crucial Quote
“The magnitude of Russia’s cyber capacity is fairly consequential and it’s coming,” Biden said Monday.
Further Reading
Russia exploring options for potential cyberattacks on U.S. energy sector, FBI warns (CBS News)
‘Evolving Intelligence’ Suggests Russia Is Planning Cyberattacks On U.S., White House Says (Forbes)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/dereksaul/2022/03/22/fbi-warns-of-preliminary-russian-cyber-activity-against-american-companies/