ALBANY (WCBS 880) -- New York state is boosting its cybersecurity preparations and readiness as tensions flare in the Ukraine-Russia crisis.
Gov. Kathy Hochul released a statement late Sunday saying it’s important to review New York’s cybersecurity preparedness given that it’s a global hub.
“In light of current geopolitical uncertainty, earlier today I convened cabinet members from relevant areas to review our ongoing cybersecurity preparedness efforts and make sure that New Yorkers, our institutions, and our critical infrastructure are protected from cyber-facilitated disruptions,” the governor said.
She said the state is in regular touch with the White House and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to “ensure coordination.”
“The reality is that because New York State is a leader in the finance, healthcare, energy, and transportation sectors, our state is an attractive target for cyber criminals and foreign adversaries,” Hochul said.
The governor said cabinet leaders will continue “reviewing their cyber-risk management readiness and communicate with relevant industry and government partners to ensure threat intelligence is being relayed as quickly as possible.”
On Friday, the White House and the U.K. formally accused Russia of being responsible for recent cyberattacks targeting Ukraine’s defense ministry and major banks.
Meanwhile, the U.S. has been heightening its cybersecurity preparedness for pipelines, banks, commercial aviation and hospitals in case of a potential Russian cyberattack.
Anne Neuberger, the deputy national security advisor for cyber and emerging technology, said at a White House briefing Friday that there are “currently no specific or credible cyber threats to the homeland.”
But Neuberger and Department of Homeland Security cyber official Jen Easterly said that it’s important to be prepared, as Russia has a history of cyberattacks far beyond its borders.
“Our critical infrastructure is integrated into a larger global cyber ecosystem, which means that we all need to be ready, or as I like to say, shields up,” Easterly said. “So given the rising tensions and the potential invasion of Ukraine by Russia, we've actually been leaning forward to inform our industry partners of potential threats.”
In her statement, Hochul also warned individual New Yorkers to “remember they are vulnerable to cyberattacks on their personal devices.”
“I encourage them to use best practices around passwords and multi-factor authentication, and to make sure that older loved ones are protected from scams,” the governor said.
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