The White House sent out an executive order warning about the potential threats of cybersecurity attacks aimed by Russia at the United States, given the ongoing escalation around the war in Ukraine and the heightened statements from Vladimir Putin over sanctions. The potential targets are many, from small and large businesses to those with ties to the defense industry. Institutions of higher education and K-12 schools also remain in the crosshairs of hackers, both from Russia and other nations such as China and Iran, because they are seen as soft targets with potential payoffs—schools are easy marks for intrusion through ransomware schemes, as are colleges, and possess open networks where research and personal data can be exposed and stolen.
