New York authorities issued an alert to the citizens of the state against possible cyber attacks , in retaliation by the regime of Vladimir Putin for economic sanctions from the United States for the invasion of Ukraine .
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (New York) is leading the alert efforts along with NYPD officers.
“Russia’s military attack on Ukraine’s cities and buildings has come alongside cyberattacks against Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, from its banks to government departments,” Gillibrand warned. “And there is no guarantee that those attacks will be limited to Ukraine. Following the sanctions that the US and our allies have placed on Russia, there is an increased risk of Russia carrying out retaliatory cyberattacks , particularly against the infrastructure and people of New York State.”
The group that deals with the alert is also made up of Comptroller Brad Lander; New York City Chief Technology Officer Matthew Fraser and NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Intelligence and Counterterrorism John Miller, who discussed how to address cybersecurity in a meeting.
Later, the officials gave a press conference to detail actions, although they recognized that, at the moment, there is no direct threat to the state, but there is a possibility that they exist at any time, due to the conflict.
“We deter a significant number of threats on a daily basis,” Fraser said, adding that, so far, there has been nothing “noteworthy.”
The NYPD Intelligence Bureau’s Criminal Investigation Section Cyber Task Force & our critical infrastructure partners from CCSI are the guard that stands watch over protecting New York’s most critical systems. We’re grateful to @SenGillibrand for her commitment to cybersecurity. https://t.co/iSdPossCFt
— Deputy Commissioner of Public Information (@NYPDDCPI) March 8, 2022
Deputy Commissioner Miller revealed that the city of New York performs “thousands of scans” daily as prevention, to avoid cyber attacks and failed attempts at digital attacks have been detected.
“We have not had any impact… but it has not been for lack of trying or for lack of a very well-constructed response,” he said.
The authorities have provided advice to citizens on how to protect their information , since cyber attacks are not only aimed at large installations.
On February 20, Governor Kathy Hochul had also taken measures in her administration, in order to prevent attacks , in the face of growing threats from Russia.
“In light of the current geopolitical uncertainty, I have convened…Cabinet members from relevant areas to review our ongoing cybersecurity preparedness efforts and ensure that New Yorkers, our institutions and our vital infrastructure are protected.” of interruptions of cyber origin”, he said then. “We are in regular contact with the White House and the US Department of Homeland Security to ensure coordination.”
To do
1. Secure passwords.- The authorities ask to use different passwords in bank accounts, social networks, email and other services . It is also suggested to use two authentication methods, which requires text messages.
2. Update the software.- Smartphones and computer systems release constant software updates and it is suggested to renew these systems as soon as they are available.
3. Maximum alert.- Email surveillance is key, since most attacks occur with messages with links that, when clicked, will allow the cyber attack.