Ride the Lightning

White House: 8 Things You Can Do to Boost Your Security Against Russian Cyberattacks

March 24, 2022

ZDNet reported on March 22^nd that the White House is urging all organizations to enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) in preparation for potential Russian cyberattacks.

As we all know, most computer users prioritize fast access to their devices over security. Slowly but surely, businesses of all kinds are mandating the use of MFA.

With possible Russian cyberattacks looming on the horizon, the government is now telling all organizations that MFA is a necessity.

The message comes as the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) warn about Russian hacking of everything from online accounts to satellite broadband networks.

President Biden said the warnings around improving tech security were “based on evolving intelligence that the Russian government is exploring options for potential cyberattacks.”

Beyond implementing MFA, the White House urged companies to take seven other steps:

“Deploy modern security tools on your computers and devices to continuously look for and mitigate threats

Make sure that your systems are patched and protected against all known vulnerabilities, and change passwords across your networks so that previously stolen credentials are useless to malicious actors

Back up your data and ensure you have offline backups beyond the reach of malicious actors

Run exercises and drill your emergency plans so that you are prepared to respond quickly to minimize the impact of any attack

Encrypt your data so it cannot be used if it is stolen

Educate your employees to common tactics that attackers will use over email or through websites

Work with FBI and CISA to establish relationships in advance of any cyber incidents.”

All good advice even if the warnings are not followed by Russian cyberattacks. Taking steps like these will defend against all nation-state attacks as well as cybercriminals of all kinds.

Think the steps are too inconvenient?  As the saying goes, “Suck it up, Buttercup.”

Sharon D. Nelson, Esq., President, Sensei Enterprises, Inc.
3975 University Drive, Suite 225, Fairfax, VA 22030
Email:   Phone: 703-359-0700
Digital Forensics/Cybersecurity/Information Technology
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