Cyber Attacks a Wake-up Call

White House Cybersecurity Advisor Companies should consider the recent cyber attacks a wake-up call.

Anne Neuberger, White House Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber & Emerging Technology, joins ‘Squawk Box’ to discuss cyber threats to the nation’s infrastructure, the series of cyber attacks over the last several weeks at water facilities and hospitals, how companies can improve their cyber infrastructure, and more.

Cybersecurity has become a major concern for governments and organizations across the world as more and more critical infrastructure and systems are being targeted by cybercriminals. The recent spate of cyber attacks on water facilities and hospitals in the United States has once again highlighted the need for stronger measures to protect against these threats. To shed light on this pressing issue, Anne Neuberger, the White House Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber and Emerging Technology, recently appeared on CNBC’s ‘Squawk Box’ to discuss the current state of cybersecurity and the steps being taken to secure the nation’s infrastructure.

In her interview, Neuberger emphasized the severity of the cyber threats facing the country, stating that they are ‘among the most significant national security threats we face as a nation.’ She further highlighted the fact that these attacks are not limited to the government sector, but also pose a risk to critical services like healthcare and water supply, which are essential for the well-being of society. The recent attacks on water facilities and hospitals are a clear indicator that these critical infrastructure systems are vulnerable and must be protected at all costs.

One of the main concerns raised by Neuberger was the lack of awareness and preparedness among organizations to defend against cyber attacks. She stated that ‘many organizations, including state and local governments, do not have the resources or expertise to combat these threats adequately.’ This has been a long-standing issue, where organizations fail to invest in cybersecurity and do not see it as a top priority until they become victims of an attack. Neuberger stressed the need for organizations to prioritize cybersecurity, implement proper security protocols, and invest in training their employees to identify and prevent cyber threats.

In addition to the lack of preparedness, Neuberger also discussed the growing threat posed by ransomware attacks. These attacks involve hackers encrypting an organization’s data and demanding a ransom in exchange for the decryption key. This not only causes significant financial losses but also puts sensitive data at risk and can severely disrupt operations. Neuberger urged organizations not to pay the ransom and instead focus on improving their cybersecurity measures to prevent such attacks in the future.

Neuberger also mentioned the steps being taken by the Biden administration to address cyber threats. This includes the recent executive order signed by President Biden, which aims to strengthen the nation’s cybersecurity defenses. The order includes measures such as improving information sharing between government agencies and the private sector, modernizing federal government cybersecurity, and establishing a standardized playbook for responding to cyber incidents.

Overall, Neuberger’s interview highlights the urgent need for organizations to take cybersecurity seriously and for governments to work together to combat these threats. The recent attacks on water facilities and hospitals serve as a wake-up call for all organizations to invest in cybersecurity and take proactive measures to protect their systems and data. As we become increasingly reliant on technology, the need for robust cybersecurity measures becomes more critical than ever. It is only through collaboration and a shared commitment to cybersecurity that we can effectively safeguard our critical infrastructure and prevent future cyber attacks.

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