Arkansas Cyber Advisory
March 22, 2022 - Arkansas Cybersecurity Advisory
My fellow Arkansans. The ongoing geopolitical conflict in eastern Europe isn’t limited to tanks and aircraft. Cyber has also become a battlefield, and yes, it threatens to impede our quality of life here in the Natural State.
On Monday, March 21st, the White House warned about possible plans by the Russian government to target critical American infrastructure with cyber attacks. Organizations are advised to bolster their cybersecurity immediately. While attacks may be initially targeting critical infrastructure, it is important to note that suppliers, partners, vendors, and others may be targeted as a means of gaining access to critical infrastructure, disrupting systems, or affecting secondary and tertiary targets.
There are a number of ways to harden your cybersecurity, starting with the following action steps:
Review cybersecurity best practices including basic cyber hygiene
Implement multi-factor authentication
Check & practice your organization's incident response plans
Report any incidents or suspicious activity as soon as possible
Additional specific recommendations can be found in the White House’s Fact Sheet.
Most importantly, talk to your staff and your IT/cyber team about being vigilant to even the slightest suspicious activity. With regularity, consult with your third-party cybersecurity vendors to remain one step ahead of these threats. Collaboration is key.
Critical infrastructure organizations and their suppliers are key targets. Smaller organizations that need help identifying best practices or have questions can call the Arkansas Cyber Defense Center (ACDC) at 501-239-9599. If you suspect you have been compromised, please report an incident. Collaborative information sharing helps us enhance our collective security posture.
Your attention to cybersecurity is a matter of national security. Your vigilance is both appreciated and essential.
