Russia is “exploring options” to undermine the United States, according to US government officials. The Kremlin is said to be behind a number of high-profile cyber attacks in recent years, including the hacking of the Democratic National Committee’s emails during the 2016 presidential election.
In response to these threats, the US government has released guidelines for businesses and individuals on how to protect themselves from Russian cyberattacks.
What does the government recommend?
The US government’s guidelines for cybersecurity against Russian threats include the following recommendations:
- Use strong and unique passwords for all online accounts: This will make it more difficult for hackers to gain access to your accounts.
- Enable two-factor authentication: This adds an extra layer of security by requiring you to enter a code from your mobile phone in order to log into your account.
- Keep your software up to date: Hackers often exploit known vulnerabilities in software that has not been properly patched. By keeping your software up to date, you can close these holes and make it more difficult for hackers to get into your systems.
How can businesses protect themselves from these types of attacks?
The US government recommends that businesses:
- Implement a Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program. CMMC is a framework that businesses can use to assess and improve their cybersecurity posture. Businesses that implement CMMC can earn certification levels that demonstrate their commitment to cybersecurity.
- Educate employees about phishing scams. Employees should be aware of the dangers of clicking on links or opening attachments from unknown senders. They should also know how to spot red flags that may indicate a scam, such as misspellings or grammatical errors.
- Use email filtering. Email filters can help to block malicious emails from reaching your employees’ inboxes.
- Security awareness training for employees. Security awareness training can help employees to better understand cybersecurity risks and how to protect themselves from attacks.
What should individuals do if they are targeted by a Russian cyber attack?
If you believe you have been the target of a Russian cyber attack, the US government recommends that you:
- Report the incident to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. This center will help investigate the incident and track down the attackers.
- Change your passwords and security questions. This will prevent hackers from accessing your accounts even if they have your login information.
- Enable two-factor authentication on all of your accounts. As mentioned above, this will add an extra layer of security to your accounts.
- Monitor your credit report. Hackers may try to open new accounts in your name. By monitoring your credit report, you can catch these attempts and stop them before they do any damage.
The US government’s guidelines for cybersecurity against Russian threats are designed to help businesses and individuals protect themselves from these types of attacks. By following these guidelines, you can make it more difficult for hackers to access your accounts and steal your information.
Further reading: 4 Key Things To Know About Biden’s Cybersecurity Executive Order.