Russian hackers are scanning the systems of energy companies and critical infrastructures in the U.S. according to Bryan Vorndran, an assistant director in the FBI’s cyber division.
Vorndran made the revelation known during a hearing before a U.S. House of Representatives.
The FBI official stated that Russian hackers’ scanning of networks in the U.S. represents a “reconnaissance phase” by Russia.
Such action, therefore, aims to try and understand a company’s defenses in a bid to detect vulnerabilities that could be exploited.
He explained that scanning networks mark an important part of the overall attack. This also complements the fact that Russia represents “one of the two most capable cyber adversaries we face globally,” and is seen as “a formidable foe.”
Following the invasion of Ukraine, the White House and other security agencies including the FBI and CISA warned U.S. organizations to prepare for imminent cyberattacks from Russia.
For more information, read the original story in Reuters.
