The latest cyber strategy unveiled by the U.S. Defense Department is informed by real-world experiences, particularly the conflict in Ukraine, and builds upon the “Defend Forward” policy established in 2018.
The strategy emphasizes proactive measures to disrupt malicious cyber activity before it reaches the U.S. homeland. Lessons learned from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 have further shaped this strategy by highlighting the potential use of cyber capabilities in large-scale conventional conflicts.
The 2018 blueprint shifted the Pentagon’s approach from a primarily responsive stance to a more proactive strategy known as “Defend Forward,” aimed at countering adversary behavior at its source.
The U.S. Cyber Command, responsible for digital warfare, employs a doctrine of “persistent engagement,” enabling continuous interaction with adversaries in cyberspace. Outgoing Cyber Command and National Security Agency chief Gen. Paul Nakasone stated that the new strategy would not deviate dramatically from the 2018 document.
The Defense Department’s cyber strategy focuses on defending the country by conducting campaigns to gather insights about malicious cyber actors and disrupt their capabilities.
It also involves supporting allies in enhancing their own cyber capacity and fostering cooperation through initiatives like Cyber Command’s “hunt forward” missions.
Additionally, the Pentagon plans to invest in its information networks and systems, as well as its digital operators, to strengthen its cyber capabilities. Ultimately, the goal is to deter conflicts and ensure success in the evolving digital domain.
