GETTY The US has warned Russia that it is ready to launch a cyber attack

FREE now and never miss the top politics stories again. SUBSCRIBE Invalid email Sign up fornow and never miss the top politics stories again. We will use your email address only for sending you newsletters. Please see our Privacy Notice for details of your data protection rights.

US Vice President Joe Biden has insisted the CIA have the tools to hack the Kremlin's emails and will consider doing so whenever deemed necessary. The stark warning comes after Hillary Clinton's emails and the National Democratic Committee messages were hacked in what the US claims was a cyber attack authorised by senior Russian officials.

We’re sending a message. We have the capacity to do it Joe Biden

The infiltrated emails were distributed online to vigilante publishers such as WikiLeaks and DC Leaks in what the US branded was a tactic "intended to interfere" with the country's democratic process. But in a brazen affront to Putin, Mr Biden has now said: “We’re sending a message. We have the capacity to do it."

GETTY Joe Biden has warned that the CIA could launch an attack at any time

The Vice President warned Putin will "know it", adding: "It will be at the time of our choosing — and under the circumstances that have the greatest impact.” According to security experts, an all-out cyberwar could escalate rapidly. Richard Stiennon, author of There Will Be Cyberwar, and chief strategy officer for data security company Blancco Technology Group, said: “The gloves are coming off as the tools of cybercrime are merging with the tools of information disruption.

GETTY Hillary Clinton's emails were hacked in what the US claims was a Russian attack

"The blatant attacks on US elections – and political officials – is just one element as continued hacking and doxxing [releasing stolen documents] of US officials and agencies serves to embarrass the Obama administration. “After the elections, the new administration will have to be prepared for even further escalations.”

Inside the Russian Army Mon, January 9, 2017 A look inside the powerful Russian Army. Play slideshow REX/Shutterstock 1 of 50 Russian Special Forces: Exercises include taking full-force punches in the chest from their commanding officers without flinching