The invasion of Ukraine has raised concerns that Russia may launch a cyberwar against the west. In recent years, cyberattacks have become more frequent, wreaking havoc on organizations around the world. Even the largest multinationals cannot escape the risk that such attacks pose to their longer-term viability.

Moscow's famed cyber prowess may not be as sophisticated as people believe, say Northeastern experts. And, Russia may not have the appetite to launch a digital war on top of a traditional one with tanks and bombs. “They don't want a war on two fronts if they don't have to,” says global strategy professor Luis Dau.