Democrat’s advisers also discuss damaging Russian computer systems
Advisers to President-elect Joseph Biden are discussing the possibility of imposing sanctions against Russia and damaging Russian computer systems in connection with a cyber attack on U.S. government agencies, the involvement of which is attributed in Washington to Moscow. This could be done after Biden’s inauguration, Reuters reported on Sunday.
Its sources said harsh economic sanctions would be considered, as well as “cyber attacks on Russian infrastructure”. Reuters quoted Andrew James Lewis, an expert at the Washington-based Centre for Strategic and International Studies, as saying in this regard. He noted that the U.S. probably has the capability, in particular, to disrupt telephone networks and the Internet in Russia. Lewis noted that this could also harm U.S. allies in Europe.
However, Biden’s entourage wants to “avoid an escalation of the conflict” between the countries, the piece said. As it follows, Democrat aides also expect to expand US capabilities to “counter cyber espionage”, “create effective deterrents and reduce Russia’s ability to conduct cyber espionage in the future”.
The agency states that these discussions by Biden’s aides are “theoretical” so far. The Democrat’s entourage will refine the plan of action after his inauguration on 20 January 2021, when they “will assess all US capabilities”. Biden’s aides will also review U.S. intelligence regarding what happened before making any decisions, the source said.