WASHINGTON (AP) – The government’s cybersecurity agency is expressing increased alarm about a hack of computer systems in the U.S. and around the globe that officials suspect was carried out by Russia.
The cybersecurity unit of the Department of Homeland Security says the hack “poses a grave risk” to the U.S. government and state and local governments as well as critical infrastructure and private business.
All fingers are pointing to Russia as the source of a punishing hack of U.S. government agencies. But President Donald Trump, long wary of blaming Moscow for cyberattacks, has so far been silent.
Reaction from Repubilcan Senator Marco Rubio on Twitter:
The methods used to carry out the cyberhack are consistent with Russian cyber operations.
But it’s crucial we have complete certainty about who is behind this.
We can’t afford to be wrong on attribution, because America must retaliate, and not just with sanctions.
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) December 18, 2020
The lack of any statement seeking to hold Russia responsible casts doubt on the likelihood of a swift response to the attacks and suggests any retaliation will be left in the hands of President-elect Joe Biden’s incoming administration.
Also see: Russia’s Suspected Hacking Operation Targeted 5 US Agencies; 18 Entities
While Republicans are losing their minds on Trump Island, the United States Government is being hacked. Anyone want to tell the President? Maybe, I don’t know, protect our country and the businesses affected?
— Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell) December 17, 2020
The new administration could have a menu of choices to select from in responding. They include criminal charges, sanctions or retaliations in cyberspace.
US Senator Dick Durbin called the alleged Russian-backed hack of government agencies and corporations “virtually a declaration of war,” telling CNN:
“We need an honest reset in terms of relationships between the United States and Russia. We can’t be buddies with Vladimir Putin and have him at the same time making this kind of cyberattack on America. This is virtually a declaration of war by Russia on the United States, and we should take it that seriously.”
The US Nuclear Weapons Agency was hacked as part of massive cyber-attack, along with the Energy Department and its agency that maintains the US nuclear stockpile.
The hack comes over a month after the Trump administration made abrupt top level staffing changes within those agencies just days after the election. The development is bad news for the incoming administration
Dallas-based international security analyst, Dr. David Oawaalalou said those agencies in particular are crucial during a transition of power.
“Very crucial agencies that need to be maintained during the transition. You want to assure some kind of accountability during the transition time.”
Biden issued a statement Thursday saying cybersecurity would be a top priority.