The Pentagon prepares for cyber war

Cyber war has become a real threat to the US national security. The Pentagon has announced a major expansion of its cyber security force over the next several years, increasing its size more than fivefold. The task is not just to protect US computer systems but also to counter potential hackers.

It appears that the US administration has decided to go far beyond its “Zone of responsibility – the entire world” strategy. Having imposed democracy in different parts of the world Washington has switched its focus on the Internet which is growing into a new battlespace. The director general of the Centre for Political Information Alexei Mukhin thinks this is quite a predictable scenario for the US foreign policy. “The legal vacuum on the web just plays into the hands of the US administration”, the expert says.

“There are practically no laws or restrictions regulating the use of the Internet. That is why cyberspace has started to be used not just to protect national security but also to attack enemies. I think that the US is preparing for a global cyber war to control as many areas rich in energy and mineral resources as possible.” 

Analyst with the regional public center for Internet technology, Urvan Parfentyev, believes that the Pentagon’s decision to expand its cyber security force comes as a response to new threats. The expert, however, doubts that the expansion of the Defense Department’s cyber command seeks purely defensive purposes.

“The US is not the only country that has become aware of the growing threat to its security coming from the Internet. The UN also adopted a resolution on cyberspace, and NATO made attempts to set up centers to counter cyber attacks. So I think the threat is being adequately assessed by most countries. The question is whether this is going to be a purely defensive and not offensive measure.

The US possesses nuclear weapons and this deters its potential enemies. But what rules regulate a cyber war? Is there a risk of Russia being attacked by the U.S. cyber weapon? Program manager at the “Security Technology” international forum, Alexander Vlasov, thinks it is very unlikely, adding that Russia has enough difficulties to bother about.

“I think the entire world has understood that a major threat is being posed by cyber wars, not nuclear weapons. Russia should be on alert with various extremist groups actively expanding their force worldwide. We must be ready to repel their attacks.” 

The Pentagon`s decision to expand its cyber security force appears to be logical unless it has offensive purposes. MOREHERE