The United States has halted its offensive cyber operations and planning against Russia, as confirmed by a senior US official. This decision, seen as a substantial setback, is particularly concerning given the extensive time and resources required to develop such operations. The official expressed worries that this pause might render the US more susceptible to cyberattacks from Russia, which possesses a robust group of hackers capable of targeting critical US infrastructure and gathering sensitive information.
This suspension comes as Cyber Command, responsible for both offensive and defensive cyber operations, shifts its focus amidst efforts led by the Trump administration for improved relations with Russia, coinciding with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. While the Pentagon typically refrains from discussing operational details due to security considerations, Cyber Command’s decision to pause operations arises amid concerns about destabilising dialogues with Moscow.
Experts highlight that such pauses can risk the viability of planned operations. Jason Kikta, a former official at Cyber Command, noted that an extended planning halt could lead to outdated strategies, jeopardising future access and insights crucial for effective operations.
The relationship between the US and Russia is fraught with tension in cyberspace, as both nations have faced ongoing confrontations. The Kremlin perceives cyberspace as an area of asymmetric advantage, attempting to exploit vulnerabilities in US infrastructure and influence elections. Similarly, the US has increasingly targeted Russian cybercriminals and intelligence operatives in the past years, especially following the influence campaigns orchestrated by Russia in US elections since 2016.
Cyber Command, established over a decade ago in response to threats from various foreign powers, has evolved significantly, now consisting of thousands of operatives executing offensive and defensive missions. They have become essential in bolstering US power internationally, assisting allies with cyber threats and preparing for potential attacks, as seen in their proactive measures to support Ukraine before and during its conflict with Russia.
Despite the recent changes in Cyber Command’s operational planning, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), which leads civilian efforts to safeguard federal networks, affirmed that it maintains its focus on defending against cyber threats from all sources, including Russia, asserting that there has been no alteration in its operational strategy.
In summary, the suspension of planning and operations by Cyber Command signifies a precarious moment in US-Russia cyber relations, with implications for national security and the ongoing struggle to manage cyber threats effectively.