Such attacks can cause widespread destruction and are potentially deadly if they close hospitals and nursing homes.
While no widespread attack has been waged thus far, the potential exists, experts say.
Meanwhile, the US has long worried about cyberattacks from China.
In July, the Biden administration blamed China for thecyberattack on the Microsoft Exchange email server softwarein early 2021.
The establishment of a new bureau within the State Department has gotten bipartisan support.
Eventually, the bureau will be led by a Senate-confirmed ambassador-at-large.
