U.S. intelligence reportedly proposing the use of cyberweapons and ‘menu’ of options for ‘massive cyberattacks against Russia

President Joe Biden has been presented with a menu of options for the U.S. to carry out massive cyberattacks designed to disrupt Russia’s ability to sustain its military operations in Ukraine, according to a report from NBC News, citing four people familiar with the matters.

NBC News also reported that two U.S. intelligence officials, one Western intelligence official and another person briefed on the matter say no final decisions have been made. But the sources told NBC News that “U.S. intelligence and military cyber warriors are proposing the use of American cyberweapons on a scale never before contemplated. Among the options: disrupting internet connectivity across Russia, shutting off electric power, and tampering with railroad switches to hamper Russia’s ability to resupply its forces.”

“You could do everything from slow the trains down to have them fall off the tracks,” one person briefed on the matter said.

Regardless of the option taken, NBC said the U.S. would not publicly acknowledge carrying out the operations, the sources say. U.S. Cyber Command, the National Security Agency, the CIA, and other agencies would have a role to play in the operations, the sources said.

“Our response will be harsh and measured, but not so severe as to encourage Putin to take more drastic steps,” one U.S. official said. The White House did not respond to NBC’s request for comment.

Cyberwarfare is a two-way street. If the United States launches a cyberattack on Russia, maybe it’s time to back up our files and get ready for retaliation from the cyber giant.