The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced Feb. 24 it was designated as the lead federal agency to respond to current Russia-related matters in the U.S.
According to a news release, DHS had been designated by President Joe Biden as the lead federal agency to handle domestic preparedness and response efforts related to the current Russia-Ukraine conflict.
"As lead federal agency, DHS has established a Unified Coordination Group to ensure unity of effort across the federal government in preparing for and responding to possible threats to the homeland; develop and pursue strategic objectives and priorities; and coordinate with federal, state, local, tribal and territorial officials, as well as representatives of the private sector and nongovernmental entities in support of these objectives and priorities," the release reported.
According to DHS, there are currently no specific threats to the American homeland, but DHS is taking the appropriate steps to ensure countermeasures are ready if the need arises.
Organizations, big and small, are encouraged to improve both their physical and cyber resilience while the situation continues to evolve. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s “Shields Up” webpage is available to organizations to provide information on how to improve their cybersecurity.
