The Department of Defense recently acknowledged it has formed 13 teams of cyber attack professionals. These Cyber Warriors’ mission is to be offensive, not defensive.
Under the command of National Security Agency Director Gen. Keith Alexander, these teams form part of Cyber Command. The Cyber Command was created to integrate the various cyberspace operations which protect the Department of Defense networks.
The General told Congress, "This is an offensive team that the Defense Department would use to defend the nation if it were attacked in cyberspace. Thirteen of the teams that we're creating are for that mission alone.”
In the Cold War, it was bombs and missiles. Now it is electronic attacks. It is important we make sure our enemies know we can destroy them if they seek to destroy us.
Back in 2011, the Pentagon deemed cyber attacks on the U.S. can constitute acts of war, and that response can include traditional military retaliation. It will be interesting to see how this plays out.
