Everything seems to be building up a head of steam towards an unavoidable climax in the next few weeks…
https://www.politico.com/news/2022/0...attacks-527638
Suspected Belarus ties to Ukrainian hacks complicate Biden’s quandary
Intelligence reports suggesting one of Russia’s European allies perpetrated last week’s hacking of Ukrainian government websites are creating a new dilemma for the Biden administration — how to respond if other countries launch cyberattacks on Russia’s behalf.
Ukrainian officials suspect that a group called UNC1151, which has been linked to Belarusian intelligence, carried out the
cyberattack that defaced and disabled around 70 government websites, Reuters reported. The targets included the sites of Ukraine’s foreign and education ministries.
While the U.S. and other governments have not confirmed Belarus’ involvement, its possible role creates a tougher call for President Joe Biden on when to hack back and whom to hit if tension over Ukraine breaks out into cyberwar.
Russia’s use of Belarus or another third country to launch cyberattacks on Ukraine could muddy the waters on who to blame, making it harder for the U.S. to justify a counterattack.
Administration officials pledged this week to respond in kind if Russia launches cyberattacks against Ukraine, but the U.S. has not explained how it would handle attacks from countries coordinating with Russia or supporting its aggression against Ukraine.
Biden is already getting pressure from lawmakers to hit Russia and its allies alike.
“If Russia is behind the cyberattack against Ukraine, as I suspect is the case, they must be sanctioned immediately as is required by Congress,” House Foreign Affairs ranking member Michael McCaul (R-Texas) said in an email. “And the same should be done to any country helping Russia with its aggression.”…..