Biden Calls Putin, Urges Him To "Take Action" Against Ransomware Groups

Biden also said the United States will take "any necessary action" to defend Americans and critical infrastructure threatened by cyberattacks, the White House said.

US President Joe Biden spoke with Russian leader Vladimir Putin on Friday and told him to "take action" against ransomware groups operating in Russia, the White House said. Biden also said the United States will take "any necessary action" to defend Americans and critical infrastructure threatened by cyberattacks, it said. Biden "spoke with President Putin about the ongoing ransomware attacks by criminals based in Russia that have impacted the United States and other countries around the world," the White House said in a statement. "President Biden underscored the need for Russia to take action to disrupt ransomware groups operating in Russia and emphasized that he is committed to continued engagement on the broader threat posed by ransomware," it said.