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U.S. Policy Can Reduce the Spread of Russia-Based Ransomware

Experts believe that in order to reduce Russian cybercrime, the U.S. must apply appropriate political pressure

Jul 29, 2021 13:24 GMT  ·  By
U.S. Policy To Reduce the Spread of Russian Ransomware
   U.S. Policy To Reduce the Spread of Russian Ransomware

Experts feel that while criminal ransomware attacks from Russia have rattled the United States, they are not particularly beneficial to Russian President Vladimir Putin either, according to Government Technology. With the right political push, this form of cybercrime may be brought under control. 

The Russian ransomware attacks that have tormented the United States may have found a balance in foreign policy, resulting in actual progress on the global market in the future. Russian cybercrime has been linked to attacks on the information technology management company Kaseya, the meatpacking company JBS and the pipeline operator Colonial Pipeline.

President Joe Biden urged Russian President Vladimir Putin in June to take action and avoid targeting some key infrastructure. At a session of the Atlantic Council on July 22, cybersecurity and policy experts stated the occurrences involving ransomware also show an important component of cybercrime in which Putin cannot maintain or prevent. Biden can use this opportunity to secure concessions if he conducts the appropriate discussions and applies sufficient pressure to Putin to do something useful.

Russia appears to be a cybercrime haven 

A wide range of cybercrimes is perpetrated by Russian entities, ranging from state-sponsored spying to extortion by organized cybercrime groups. Russian cybercriminal gangs appear to have been the driving force behind the SolarWinds attack in 2020, in which hackers installed malware on government agency computers. The US has accused Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service of carrying out the attack, although Putin has continuously denied this accusation.

The Russian government's lack of investment in cybersecurity allows the US to press Putin to impose restrictions on organized cybercrime. The White House would have to show that cooperation with Russia will benefit Russia considerably by earning a significant profit or avoiding major costs.

The speakers also stressed that combating ransomware should not be rushed. It would be beneficial to use a multifaceted approach to avoid compromising schools, hospitals, nuclear control systems, and other critical infrastructure systems.