Podcast Summary
Russian Intelligence Hacks Multiple US Government Agencies Through SolarWinds Software: Russian hackers gained access to US gov't agencies through SolarWinds software, a significant cyber espionage campaign, highlighting the importance of securing software supply chains
A sophisticated cyberattack believed to be orchestrated by Russian intelligence gained access to the computer systems of multiple US government agencies, including the Treasury and Commerce Departments, through a third-party software company called SolarWinds. This attack, which may have started as early as March 2020, was particularly effective due to the hackers' approach of infiltrating the software supply chain rather than directly targeting the agencies. The scale and sophistication of this hack is being described as one of the biggest and most significant cyber espionage campaigns against the US government. The full extent of the data that was taken and the potential impact on other departments and organizations is still being assessed. This incident underscores the importance of securing software supply chains and the potential risks associated with third-party software.
Russian Hackers Gain Access to SolarWinds Network Software: Russian hackers breached SolarWinds network software, giving extensive access to US gov't agencies including treasury, commerce, state, and Los Alamos nuclear lab. Hack went undetected for months, likely due to use of legitimate software. Embarrassing for US as cyber superpower, extent of stolen info unknown but suspected espionage.
Russian hackers gained access to the SolarWinds network monitoring software, giving them extensive access to various US government agencies and sensitive information. The high skill level and use of specific techniques suggest involvement from the Russian intelligence agency SVR. Agencies affected include the treasury department, commerce department, state department, and Los Alamos nuclear laboratory. The hack went undetected for months due to the hackers using legitimate software. This is a significant embarrassment for the US as a leading cyber superpower, and the Trump administration may not want to acknowledge the breach before leaving office. The full extent of the information taken is unknown, but it appears to be a classic case of espionage.
History of Russian Cyberattacks on US: Russian cyberattacks on US are long-standing, sophisticated, and require proactive cybersecurity defenses
Cyberattacks, particularly those carried out by advanced threat actors like Russia, pose a significant threat to national security. The Russians have been engaging in cyberattacks against the United States for over two decades, starting with the Moonlight Maze attack in the mid-1990s. These attacks have become increasingly sophisticated, with the Russians using tactics like social engineering and spear-phishing to gain access to sensitive information. The 2020 election may have provided an opportunity for the Russians to launch another attack while the focus was on protecting the election networks. Cyberattacks are attractive to attackers because they are cheap, virtually invisible, and can be carried out by highly skilled engineers from anywhere in the world. The United States has not been effective in defending against these attacks, and the response to past attacks has been largely reactive rather than preventative. The history of Russian cyberattacks against the United States highlights the need for more robust cybersecurity defenses and a more proactive approach to cybersecurity.
Russia's cyberattacks against the US have gone unpunished: Russia's cyberattacks on US have emboldened them, as there are no significant consequences for such actions
Russia's cyberattacks against the United States, including the hack of the Democratic National Committee and the Clinton campaign, have gone unpunished, emboldening Russia to continue such activities. The United States' hesitance to respond with proportionate force creates a gray area where adversaries believe they can get away with cyberattacks without significant consequences. This failure of deterrence was acknowledged publicly in 2018 when the head of the NSA testified that adversaries do not currently fear significant retaliation for cyberattacks on America.
Cyber warfare's unique challenges for deterrence: Cyber warfare's ability to be adjusted in intensity and involvement of many players creates uncertainty and risk, requiring careful navigation to protect interests without escalation. US and others have engaged, but clear red lines are lacking.
Cyber warfare poses a unique challenge for deterrence due to its ability to be adjusted in intensity and the large number of players involved. The US and other countries have engaged in cyber attacks, and while these actions have not yet led to full-blown war, the line between peaceful cyber espionage and acts of war is blurred. The Russians, among other adversaries, have been increasingly bold in their cyber activities, raising concerns about potential escalation. The utility of cyber as a weapon short of war makes it an attractive option for countries, but its lack of clear red lines and potential for miscalculation creates uncertainty and risk. The US and other countries must navigate this complex landscape carefully to protect their interests while avoiding unnecessary escalation. Additionally, it's important to note that the US is not without blame in the form of cyber warfare, as seen in the US and Israel's cyberattack on Iran's nuclear program a decade ago.
Deterring Cyber Attacks: Denial, Punishment, and International Rules: Effective cyber attack deterrence requires a balance of strong defenses, consequences for attackers, and international norms, while addressing underlying motivations.
Deterring cyber attacks involves a combination of defense and punishment. The first approach, deterrence by denial, focuses on building robust cyber defenses to prevent attacks. The second approach, deterrence by punishment, involves imposing consequences on attackers. A third approach is to establish international rules prohibiting certain types of cyber attacks. However, implementing such rules may be challenging due to the vested interests of governments in possessing advanced cyber capabilities. As for the incoming presidency of Joe Biden, it remains to be seen whether he will take a harder line against cyber attacks from adversaries like Russia and China. While Biden has expressed his intent to respond forcefully, the historical context of past cyber attacks and the challenges of escalating against nuclear powers make this a complex issue to navigate. Ultimately, to effectively deter cyber attacks, there is a need to strike a balance between defense, punishment, and international norms, while addressing the underlying fear that the costs of using cyber attacks may outweigh the benefits.
Republicans acknowledge Biden's victory, paving way for US-Russia cooperation: The GOP recognizes Joe Biden as President-elect, signaling a potential new chapter in US-Russia relations. The FDA is set to approve Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine, bringing hope in the fight against the pandemic.
Despite some lingering resistance, the Republican Party, led by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, has acknowledged Joe Biden's victory in the presidential election. This acceptance marks a significant shift and paves the way for a potential new era of cooperation between the United States and Russia, as Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Biden on his win. Furthermore, the FDA is expected to authorize the use of Moderna's coronavirus vaccine, adding another effective tool to the fight against the pandemic. These developments signify progress on both the political and health fronts, offering hope for a smoother transition and a return to normalcy.
