WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – Many U.S. leaders believe Russian cyber attacks they are inevitable, and some say we as a country need to do more to prepare for them.
The White House private companies were warned this week that they needed to step up their cyber defense.
Senator Mark Warner, D.C., has long been sounding the alarm about Russian cyberattacks.
“As we see Putin becoming more isolated and less successful on the battlefield, this possibility is real,” Warner said.
Part of the last omnibus package was a law from Warner that stipulates that companies with critical infrastructure report cyber attacks to the U.S. government.
“We need this information not only to harass the bad guys, but in particular to share it with other private sector partners,” Warner said.
Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, RW.Va., says lawmakers have done a great job of protecting cybersecurity.
“To raise firewalls not only in government but also in the private sector,” Capito said.
How sanctions against Russia are intensifyingConcerns about cyber risks are also growing, forcing some to call for more action.
Virginia cybersecurity professor David Simpson says government regulators should put in place rules to ensure companies comply with cybersecurity standards and be able to rebuild networks in the event of a hack.
“You need to rationalize cyber risk reduction investments along with other business investments,” Simpson said. “Violations will occur even with the best defense.”
Senator Warner agrees that major industries need cybersecurity guidelines.
“You are as strong as your weakest link. So I think we need some minimum legal standards for cyber hygiene, ”Warner said.
There may not be enough time for significant improvements before Russia’s next cyberattacks. Currently, Senator Capito says we are vigilant.
“We have people watching this every second,” Capito said.