What does Russia’s invasion of Ukraine mean to us?  Several recent articles warn of a possible increase in gas prices, continuing supply chain shortages, and possible cyberattacks that could damage critical U.S. infrastructure systems, including water, power and communications.     How should we prepare?  While there’s no need to panic, it doesn’t hurt to check and update our family emergency plans and supplies.  Additionally, CISA [the United States’ Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency] recommends that “Americans should keep their devices updated, choose strong passwords, and use multifactor authentication.”

How to protect yourself from Russian hacking or cyberattacks? What can you do to minimize the impact of a Russian cyberattack on your family?

Steps include: Secure your home network with a router firewall, turn on your PC software firewall, use up-to-date antivirus software, backup your computers/laptops/devices, backup your financial statements and create an emergency kit so you can have three and ideally 7 days of food and water for your family. If a really effective cyber-attack happened, it could affect the utilities’ ability to deliver service.

See helpful links to right.