FBI Warns of Russian Cyber Hackers Targeting Critical US Infrastructure

Contact Your Elected Officials

Russian hackers have been caught accessing the computer networks of critical U.S. infrastructure.

The FBI warned the public on Aug. 20 that Russian hackers had breached computer systems at manufacturing plants, power grids, water treatment facilities, and other critical infrastructure in the United States.

Hackers tied to Russia’s Federal Security Service were caught by the FBI using cyberattacks to get into computer networks targeting a wide range of critical infrastructure and other organizations in the United States and across the world.

By gaining access to the devices over the past year, the hackers were able to steal configuration files for thousands of networking devices associated with U.S. entities across critical infrastructure sectors, the FBI said.

The hackers also used the unauthorized access to look around and collect intelligence in their victims’ networks, which revealed their interest in protocols and applications in control systems.

Dubbed “Berserk Bear” and “Dragonfly” by the cybersecurity community, the hackers have been targeting two key weaknesses in older or unsecured network devices—Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) and Cisco Smart Install—that no longer receive security updates, according to the FBI.

The energy, water, waste, telecommunication, industrial, aviation, and government sectors are more exposed to such risks as they struggle to replace or secure end-of-life equipment in their extensive frameworks.

The FBI and law enforcement also warned the public in 2018 and again in May about the cyber hackers.

In 2018, the federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency encouraged organizations to use detection and prevention guidelines to defend against such malicious activity. Administrators were encouraged to inspect the presence of network traffic flowing to or from unexpected addresses, unexplained activity, and the destruction of log files.

In May, organizations were again urged to review and act immediately to improve their security against cyberattacks specifically targeting operational technology and industrial control systems. The federal government also recommended that entities under attack remove their operational technology connections to the public internet.

By Jill McLaughlin

Read Full Article on TheEpochTimes.com

The Epoch Times
The Epoch Timeshttps://www.theepochtimes.com/
Tired of biased news? The Epoch Times is truthful, factual news that other media outlets don't report. No spin. No agenda. Just honest journalism like it used to be.

Kamala, Please Run Again

Kamala Harris hinted she wants to run for President in 2028, despite poor poll numbers and her loss in 2024. If she runs, the big winners will be the GOP.

Rosie O’Donnell vs. Her Therapist

Rosie O’Donnell's therapist attempted to artfully introduce to her client to the possibility that Rosie's outrage might be performative. It didn’t take.

Hamas’s Stubborn Grip on Arms Signals No Desire for Genuine Peace

Hamas’s rhetoric reflects its founding ideology, prioritizing armed resistance over civilian welfare or diplomatic progress.

Off the radar

In the longstanding and brutal ledger of religious persecution, Nigeria now occupies its own grim chapter with its enduring pogrom against Christians.

The New Jackboots? A Wake-Up Call on Antifa and Fascism

An analysis of whether Antifa truly opposes fascism by comparing its tactics and behavior to historical signs and movements of fascist regimes.

USDA Says SNAP Benefits Will Expire for 41 Million People If Shutdown Persists

More than 41 million Americans will go without food stamps next month if Congress does not vote to reopen the government in time.

Newsom Confirms He’s Considering 2028 Presidential Bid

California Gov. Gavin Newsom said he will seriously consider a presidential campaign after the 2026 midterms are over.

‘Showing Up in Droves’—Gen Z Trades Graduation Caps for Hard Hats

The share of Generation Z workers in the construction labor force more than doubled between 2019 and 2023, according to a recent report.

Dallas Doctor Surrenders License After Texas AG Sues for Prescribing Gender Transition Drugs to Minors

Doctor surrendered her medical license following lawsuit by Texas AG Paxton, accusing her of illegally prescribing gender transition drugs to minors.

Trump Hikes Canada’s Tariffs by 10 Percent for Not Pulling Anti-Tariff Ad Immediately

Trump announced he will increase tariffs on Canada by 10% after ad by provincial government of Ontario misrepresented President Reagan’s speech on tariffs.

Trump Rolls Back Emissions Rules on Copper Smelters

President Trump issued a proclamation aimed at reversing a Biden-era environmental rule that enforced stricter air emission standards on copper smelters.

Donor Gives $130 Million to Cover Shortfall in Troop Pay During Shutdown

Trump announced on Oct. 23 that an anonymous donor sent $130M to cover military pay during the ongoing government shutdown.

‘Frustration’ With Canada Led to Trump Scrapping Talks, Not Just Ontario’s Ad: US Official

President Trump cited Ontario’s TV ad as the reason for halting Canada trade talks, but officials say it stems from rising U.S. frustration with Ottawa.
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

MAGA Business Central