As tensions rise in Ukraine, cybersecurity professionals in New York and across the country are on the lookout for cyber-attacks. Mike Stamas of Grey Castle Security tells Capital Tonight that cyber-attacks are the new normal and geo-political crises like those in Ukraine are just one of the accelerants of these attacks.

On the state level, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Sunday that the state will be assessing cybersecurity vulnerabilities and infrastructure. The governor also included $62 million for cybersecurity initiatives in her budget proposal.

Stamas says large-scale attacks could have impacts on the health care, energy and financial sectors, but there are things you can do to protect your information. Stamas advises New Yorkers to have “healthy paranoia” when it comes to an unfamiliar correspondence that may ask you to complete a task like buying gift cards. 

Another tip is to only give out as much information as needed and don’t overshare private information. “Our privacy is an asset,” says Stamas, and it needs protecting.