“Russia has ramped up cyber attacks against the United States to an unprecedented level since President Obama imposed sanctions last year on President Putin’s government over its intervention in Ukraine,” according to The Hill .  

“The emboldened attacks are hitting the highest levels of the U.S. government… The efforts are also targeting a wide array of U.S. businesses, pilfering intellectual property in an attempt to level the playing field for Russian industries hurt by sanctions.”  

“Director of National Intelligence James Clapper acknowledges the U.S. was caught off guard by this Russian hacking surge… During an October speech, Clapper even said Russia has replaced cyber powerhouse China as his top concern.”