Governor says Georgia is prepared for any backlash over Ukraine invasion

ATLANTA — Georgia remains on high alert for cyberattacks as events continue to unfold in Ukraine.

Gov. Brian Kemp said Thursday that Georgia is as ready as it can be for any potential problems.

Former Gov. Nathan Deal helped create the Georgia Cyber Center in Augusta, which works with the US Army.

Kemp said they’re continuing to monitor the events in Ukraine and preparing for anything that could happen here.

“We’re obviously on high alert like everyone else has been. This is something that you deal with every single day regardless,” Kemp said.

The governor’s campaign opponents also weighed in.

David Perdue tweeted, “We must stand firmly with the Ukrainian people against Russian aggression.”

“Russia’s invasion is a tragic reminder of the danger tyrants pose to those who cherish democracy,” Stacey Abrams said.

The state created the Georgia Cyber Center to work in partnership with the US Army cyber warfare center at Fort Gordon and with Augusta University.

It’s supposed to make Georgia a leader fighting cyber threats.

“Certainly, I think this situation just brings a little more focus and reality to that, so we’re monitoring at all levels,” Kemp said.

Cyber security expert Willis McDonald said Georgians probably don’t have to worry about attacks on things like banking or the power grid.

He feels they’re secure enough and warns doing things like pulling your money out of banks could actually do a lot of damage.

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“Please do not go into your bank account and start inferring, emptying your bank account as a concern from cyber-attack. That’s, you’re going to cause more damage than any cyber-attack doing that sort of thing,” McDonald said.

McDonald said he thinks things like banks and major utilities have enough redundancy and backups to be pretty secure.

He’s more concerned what a cyber-attack could potentially do to smaller businesses.

As for the Georgia National Guard, Kemp asked that for Georgians to pray for those who may be deployed.

“We would ask all Georgians to have our men and women in the military and those serving overseas or even just moving supplies to the region to be helpful to keep them in our thoughts and prayers,” Kemp said.

On Thursday, Channel 2′s Michael Seiden stopped by the Georgia National Guard headquarters in Marietta, where top officials are monitoring the latest developments in Europe.

Earlier this month, members of the 165th Airlift Wing deployed from Savannah. Officials say the airmen are supplying logistical support and military aid.

“The members of the 165th Airlift Wing are proven multi-domain capable Airmen prepared to perform a diverse number of roles,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Robert Noren, commander, 165th AW.

As of Thursday night, it’s unclear if additional troops will be deployed or how long this mission will last.

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