Russia Identified as Main Cyber Threat by U.S. Intelligence

According to the annual report from the U.S. intelligence community, Russia remains the largest cyber threat to the United States. The report states that Russia is enhancing and utilizing its capabilities in espionage and influence operations, and continues to target critical infrastructure, including undersea cables and industrial control systems.

“We believe that Russia will remain a leading cyber threat as it improves and deploys its espionage and influence capabilities. Russia continues to target critical infrastructure, including undersea cables and industrial control systems, in the United States as well as in partner and allied countries,” the report says.

The document also notes, “Russia almost certainly views cyberattacks as an acceptable option for deterring adversaries, controlling escalation, and conducting conflicts.”

Russian Response to U.S. Accusations

Previously, Secretary of the Security Council Nikolai Patrushev called the U.S. accusations of cyberattacks “another baseless allegation.” He emphasized that the Russian authorities have no involvement in these incidents.

At the same time, Patrushev did not rule out that some of these crimes could involve hackers living in Russia or holding Russian citizenship. He added that the American side is unwilling to cooperate with Moscow in this area and does not provide evidence of Russian government involvement in these incidents.