Warfare in Ukraine may seem far away from Copiah County, but modern life in a computer-dominated virtual environment is vulnerable to cyber attack, and the threat increases with tensions wherever they are.
While there is no information to suggest a specific credible cyber threat against the U.S. homeland, it is the responsibility of everyone who depends on modern technology at home or in the office to prepare, says Copiah County Emergency Services Director Randle Drane. Russia, he notes, has significant offensive cyber capabilities, and the potential for the Russian government to consider escalating its destabilizing actions in ways that may impact others outside of Ukraine is real.
Drane's advice:
It is particularly important to be especially watchful for phishing and social engineering attempts at work and home. Messages that ask for personal information, ask you to take immediate action, or make suspicious offers may be attempts at phishing or cyber-attack.
Do not open emails from unknown senders. Instead, reply to an email before clicking links even if the sender looks legitimate. If an email address changes from what is in the received email, it is not legitimate.
Keep software applications and operating systems up to date.
The Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) recommends all organizations adopt a heightened posture when it comes to cybersecurity and protecting their most critical assets. The CISA Shields Up alert is available at: https://www.cisa.gov/shields-up.
Drane also points to general personal and professional preparedness actions everyone should take no matter what the potential emergency:
Have basic food and emergency preparedness supplies available.
Have some cash on hand in case ATMs or credit card readers are unavailable.
Do not allow your vehicles to get low on fuel.
Ensure that you have a family emergency plan.
Store important documents on the cloud.