Joe Biden to impose "costs" on Russia for recent cyber attacks

Joe Biden is set to assume the role as the next occupant of the Oval Office and the next Commander-in-Chief by January. Following the recent cyber attacks on federal agencies, Biden revealed that he is deliberating on the US’ response to possible aggression coming from Russia.

With the recent cyber attacks on US government agencies, Biden has pledged to impose financial reprisals on the likely culprits. This comes as reports suggested that Moscow may be responsible for the cyber attacks and hacking. Thus, Biden and his team are now putting together a “cost imposition strategy” which will serve as the response to Russia’s aggression. The reprisals will not be limited to sanctions, according to people aware of the matter.

“A good defense isn’t enough,” said Biden in a statement released last week without specifying Russia. “We need to disrupt and deter our adversaries from undertaking significant cyberattacks in the first place. We will do that by, among other things, imposing substantial costs on those responsible for such malicious attacks, including in coordination with our allies and partners.”

Aside from the cyber attacks on government agencies, the Russian-backed attacks on Fortune 500 companies is another one of the aggressions pointed towards Russia over the last four years is also included in the costs the incoming Biden administration will impose. Alongside the imposition of costs, Biden’s administration will also seek to boost US defenses and cooperation with allies, according to a source. People aware of the matter have also stressed that Biden was not making empty threats when it came to the imposing of costs on Russia.

Following the inauguration, Biden will look to determine the scope of possible interference by Moscow in the recent elections. The president-elect will also be looking into the supposed Russian bounties on US soldiers in Afghanistan during the Trump administration.

As the vaccines for COVID-19 are already being administered to those in need, Biden will also be vaccinated this week. The announcement comes as Moderna’s coronavirus vaccine was given the approval of the FDA. Biden’s vaccination comes after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, and outgoing vice president Mike Pence received their vaccinations last week.