Hegseth orders Cyber Command to stand down on Russia planning
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered U.S. Cyber Command to stop planning against Russia, part of efforts to normalize relations, while NSA operations remain unaffected. Risks to U.S. cybersecurity are assessed.
Read original article
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered U.S. Cyber Command to cease all planning and offensive actions against Russia, as confirmed by multiple anonymous sources. This directive was communicated to Cyber Command chief Gen. Timothy Haugh and the outgoing director of operations, Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Ryan Heritage. The order does not extend to the National Security Agency (NSA) or its intelligence operations targeting Russia. The move is seen as part of the White House's strategy to normalize relations with Moscow following the isolation of the Kremlin due to its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The duration of Hegseth's order is currently unspecified, but it is expected to last for the foreseeable future. Cyber Command is now compiling a risk assessment to evaluate the implications of this directive, which could affect hundreds of personnel, particularly those focused on offensive operations against Russia. The order may also hinder Cyber Command's ability to counter Russian cyber threats, potentially increasing risks for U.S. private sector entities. Additionally, the command is facing staffing challenges related to targeting Mexican drug cartels, which have been labeled as terrorist groups by the administration. The implications of this stand-down could significantly impact ongoing missions and the overall cybersecurity landscape.
- Hegseth's order halts U.S. Cyber Command's planning against Russia.
- The directive does not affect NSA's intelligence operations.
- The order is part of efforts to normalize U.S.-Russia relations post-Ukraine invasion.
- Cyber Command is assessing risks and implications of the stand-down.
- The order may increase vulnerabilities for U.S. private sector entities against Russian cyber threats.
Related
A Mysterious Plot Prompts a Rare Call from Russia to The Pentagon
Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov warned U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin about an alleged covert Ukrainian operation with U.S. support, prompting U.S. officials to caution Ukraine against escalating tensions.
Biden signs 11th-hour cybersecurity executive order
Joe Biden's cybersecurity executive order targets foreign espionage and ransomware, mandates secure software practices, and promotes AI use, but faces skepticism regarding implementation and critical infrastructure security.
Infosec was literally last item in Trump's policy plan; major changes are likely
The Trump administration plans to prioritize cybersecurity, focusing on critical infrastructure protection, voluntary standards, and offensive operations against adversaries, while potentially impacting existing regulations and advisory committees.
Trump admin fires security board investigating Chinese hack of large ISPs
The Trump administration disbanded the Cyber Safety Review Board amid investigations into a Chinese cyberattack, raising national security concerns and fears of political bias affecting its independence and future work.
Trump administration retreats in fight against Russian cyber threats
The Trump administration has shifted its view, no longer seeing Russia as a major cyber threat, focusing instead on China and Iran, raising concerns about increased U.S. vulnerability to Russian attacks.
3 commentsThat said, if it’s followed up with similar orders to NSA and “sigint work”, then I will humbly suggest that our executive branch has been fully compromised, most likely by Russia.
Related
A Mysterious Plot Prompts a Rare Call from Russia to The Pentagon
Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov warned U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin about an alleged covert Ukrainian operation with U.S. support, prompting U.S. officials to caution Ukraine against escalating tensions.
Biden signs 11th-hour cybersecurity executive order
Joe Biden's cybersecurity executive order targets foreign espionage and ransomware, mandates secure software practices, and promotes AI use, but faces skepticism regarding implementation and critical infrastructure security.
Infosec was literally last item in Trump's policy plan; major changes are likely
The Trump administration plans to prioritize cybersecurity, focusing on critical infrastructure protection, voluntary standards, and offensive operations against adversaries, while potentially impacting existing regulations and advisory committees.
Trump admin fires security board investigating Chinese hack of large ISPs
The Trump administration disbanded the Cyber Safety Review Board amid investigations into a Chinese cyberattack, raising national security concerns and fears of political bias affecting its independence and future work.
Trump administration retreats in fight against Russian cyber threats
The Trump administration has shifted its view, no longer seeing Russia as a major cyber threat, focusing instead on China and Iran, raising concerns about increased U.S. vulnerability to Russian attacks.