City and federal officials joined with the NYPD’s counterterrorism expert Monday at police headquarters to warn against the growing threat of retaliatory cyberattacks from Russia and other players as the war in Ukraine rages on.
Individuals and businesses should secure their accounts by using strong passwords, download the most recent updates on their devices, and stay vigilant against suspicious emails and direct messages, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand urged.
What You Need To Know
- Gillibrand says people most secure their accounts, use software updates, stay vigilant
- Miller says city is in ultra-high alert for cyber attacks
- Officials note that 85% of critical infrastructure is operated by private entities
The city is doing its part in preventing and thwarting attacks and still more collaboration is necessary, NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Intelligence & Counterterrorism John Miller said.
“The Russian state actor when tensions rise increases malicious cyberattacks for both tactical – to disable systems that may be running against them from an adversary – and strategic – to be able to put pressure on other entities, be they allies or people in their interest to disable,” Miller said.
Governor Hochul, Mayor Adams and other New York State mayors last month announced the formation of a Joint Security Operations Center to share resources and intelligence.
Officials today said they seeks to work with other states and secure federal funding and authorities to replicate the city’s cybersecurity structure.