Offensive Cyber Operations: The Need for a Policy to Contend with the Future

Abstract

Abstract : The United States holds a unique position in the world to capitalize on a globally interconnected information and communications infrastructure which is ingrained into every corner of society, providing conduits for public safety, the economy, and national security. Technology drives change and the evolution of daily interactions and offers endless opportunities, but these are fraught with vulnerabilities. Make no mistake that cyberspace, while not new, is the battlefield for future conflict. China, Russia, and North Korea have been implicated in compromising the systems and networks of the United States government and private corporations. These intrusions are not the first, and certainly will not be the last to effect the United States. An excellent example ofan offensive cyber operation is the Stuxnet malicious virus which attacked the Iranian nuclear program. Stuxnet demonstrated that offensive cyber, when integrated with the other instruments of national power can create the time and space required for the international community to deal with a potentially nuclear Iran. The United States has been averse to discuss offensive cyber operations in the public domain. While there are numerous policy documents and senior administration statements that relate to Cyberspace defense, the time has come for the United Stales to declare that it will conduct offensive cyber operations.