Federal Drive

DoD has legal framework to launch cyber offensives

Offensive action in cyber space would be carried out under orders of the president as commander-in-chief.

Federal News Network Staff

November 17, 2011 9:11 am

< a min read

The military now has a legal framework to cover offensive operations in cyberspace, Reuters reported.

The commander of Strategic Command says the military is still working its way through cyber warfare rules of engagement that lie beyond “area of hostilities,” or battle zones, for which they have been approved.

The Defense Department says the United States reserves the right to retaliate with military force against a cyber attack and is boosting its ability to pinpoint network intruders. Just like any other type of warfare, offensive action in cyber space would be carried out under orders of the president as commander-in-chief.

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