The Pentagon’s strategy to actively thwart malicious activity has been affected by events unfolding in Ukraine, according to classified documents sent to Congress.
of the US Department of Defense 2023 DoD Cyber Strategy is not readily available, but the factsheet summarizes some key takeaways for the general public.
“Since 2018, the Department has conducted a number of significant cyberspace operations based on a policy of forward defense, actively stopping malicious cyber activity before it reaches the U.S. homeland,” the department said. I pointed out.
“This strategy is further informed by Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, demonstrating how cyber capabilities can be used in large-scale conventional conflicts.”
For more information on Russian cyber operations in Ukraine, see Russian Hackers Use Western Networks to Attack Ukraine.
The Department of Defense argued that these experiences have greatly shaped its current approach to cyber, driving:
- Integrated deterrence combining cyber operations with “other means of state power”
- Activities below the standards of armed conflict aimed at “frustrating” an adversary
- Ongoing commitment to international allies and partners
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has seen an unprecedented blurring of the lines between traditional conflict and cyber warfare, with the frequent use of online operations preceded by dynamic attacks.
Just two months later, Microsoft claimed that at least six Russian National Alliance officials launched 237 campaigns targeting Ukraine, including subversive attacks, espionage and misinformation campaigns.
Cyber threats are leaking out of neighboring regions and affecting critical infrastructure organizations in other countries. A report found that British financial services firms saw an 81% increase in attacks since the start of the war.
Unsurprisingly, the Pentagon report lists China, Russia, North Korea and Iran as the main state enemies. “Violent extremist organizations” and international criminal organizations are also mentioned.
Editorial image credit: Casimiro PT / Shutterstock.com
