Could Russia’s invasion of Ukraine mean fewer near-term cyberattacks on US utilities?

March 1, 2022 – Published on Utility Drive

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has heightened global tensions and U.S. critical infrastructure sectors are on high alert for potential cyberattacks. But experts say there is no immediate increase in the threat to electric companies, and it may not be necessary for utilities to take additional defensive actions immediately.

Utilities can’t let down their guard, but they might actually see a reduction in the near-term threat, according to Mark Lance, senior director of cyber defense at GuidePoint Security.

“It’s kind of taboo for ransomware gangs to hit critical infrastructure,” Lance said. “Because if there are ties to the Russian government, which, you know, very likely there are … you would think that [Russia’s] government is going to be pretty pissed off that they just initiated some sort of cyber warfare against critical infrastructure for a ransom when they’re in the middle of a physical war against Ukraine.”

“Right now, if anything, those criminal groups are probably staying away,” Lance said. If a hacking group has ties to a nation-state, “they’re going to be much more cautious because the state would not want them taking those actions without giving the prior approval.”

Read More HERE.