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FBI warns businesses in Detroit about possible Russian cyber-attacks

Loic Venance
/
AFP/Getty Images

The head of the F.B.I. is warning business leaders in Detroit that Russia may launch cyber-attacks against their companies, in retaliation over the U.S.’ support of Ukraine.

U.S. intelligence officials believe the preparation for such attacks is well underway.

President Biden warned earlier this week that Russia might use cyber-attacks to cripple critical U.S. infrastructure.

F.B.I. Director Christopher Wray amplified that warning to members of the Detroit Economic Club.

He says U.S. industry must work with the government to strengthen security systems and networks, because the Russians are showing a heightened level of cyber activity.

“There’s researching of victims, scanning for vulnerabilities in systems, so we have been engaged with certain companies and industries specifically to try to help them button things down.”

Wray says the bureau has teams ready to quickly respond to any company reporting a cyber-attack potentially connected to Russia.

Quinn Klinefelter is a host and Senior News Editor for 101.9 WDET, anchoring midday newscasts and preparing reports for WDET, NPR and the BBC.