Ukraine-Russia conflict prompts US firms to step up cyber programs

US experts say the Colonial Pipeline hit a year ago sounded an alarm about the risk of security threats, but the Ukraine conflict has prompted American firms to take serious measures to step up their cybersecurity.  

Citing a senior expert of a firm specializing in software solutions in cybersecurity used to fight malware and ransomware attacks, The Hill reported on Saturday that amid rising fears that Washington's support for the Kiev government in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia could have serious repercussions for the United States, including attacks on US cyberspace targets, American firms aim to mature their security programs following the jolt given to them by the Colonial Pipeline hit.

Last year's disruptive ransomware attack caught Colonial Pipeline off guard, forcing the major American oil pipeline system to shut down operations for nearly a week. The attack was blamed on the DarkSide hackers' group in Russia, allegedly linked to Moscow, who reportedly had received a $4.4 million ransom.

“The biggest escalator beyond Colonial last year has just been the war in Ukraine and the potential spillover into the US and other developed parts of the world,” said Peter Lund, chief technology officer of the Massachusetts-based Industrial Defender company.

“That’s really what’s gotten everyone on edge and rushing to mature their security programs,” the cybersecurity expert pointed out.

Lund said that US companies had started implementing more sophisticated cybersecurity programs after the Colonial Pipeline attack but the conflict in Ukraine was what really prompted them to move faster and on a greater scale than before.

Brandon Wales, executive director at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), who spoke at a cyber webinar on Thursday, described the Colonial Pipeline attack as a “galvanizing event for the country”.

He said that US companies set up shields and shored up their cyber defenses after the Colonial attack.

“Many companies have put their Shields Up, they are taking this issue more seriously and they’re more prepared today,” Wales said. 

“And we want them to continue to be prepared because this conflict is not over yet,” he added. 

In this regard, the US State Department on Friday offered a reward of up to $15 million for information on the Conti hackers’ group.

"In offering this reward, the United States demonstrates its commitment to protecting potential ransomware victims around the world from exploitation by cybercriminals," said State Department spokesman Ned Price.

US official says Russia arrested Colonial Pipeline hacker

A senior official from the Biden administration has said that Russia arrested the hacker who was responsible for the massive Colonial Pipeline cyberattack last year. 

The FBI estimates worldwide that more than 1,000 alleged victims of the Conti group reportedly have paid a total in excess of $150 million in ransomware payments, Price added, further claiming that the hackers’ group was behind an attack in April on Costa Rica's tax and customs platforms, impacting its foreign trade.

The Conti group is allegedly based in Russia with links to Moscow.

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