Futures

Overview of the US DoD’s 2023 Cyber Strategy: Enhancing Cyber Defense and Partnerships, (from page 20230320.)

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Summary

The US Department of Defense (DoD) has released an unclassified summary of its 2023 Cyber Strategy, emphasizing both offensive and defensive cyber efforts. Key aims include enhancing the cyber capabilities of allies and partners to improve collective resilience and defending the US and its critical infrastructure from cyber threats. This involves disrupting adversaries, securing DoD information networks, and leveraging cyberspace operations to maintain military advantages. The strategy also focuses on long-term impacts through training, intelligence support, and integrating emerging technologies in cybersecurity. Additionally, the DoD has initiated a ‘Hack the Pentagon’ program to engage security researchers in identifying vulnerabilities through bug bounty projects.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Increased Cybersecurity Collaboration DoD emphasizes boosting cyber capabilities among allies and partners. Shift from isolated national defense to collaborative cybersecurity efforts with allies. Allies will have enhanced cyber defenses, creating a more unified global cybersecurity posture. Growing recognition of cyber threats necessitating collaborative defense strategies among nations. 4
Focus on Cyber Workforce Development DoD aims to enhance the cyber workforce through training and exercises. Transition from basic training to advanced, specialized cyber workforce development initiatives. Cyber workforce will be more skilled, leading to better preparedness against cyber threats. The need for a technically proficient workforce to address evolving cyber challenges. 5
Emergence of Bug Bounty Programs DoD launches ‘Hack the Pentagon’ to engage security researchers in vulnerability discovery. Move from traditional security measures to community-driven cybersecurity initiatives. A culture of proactive vulnerability discovery will enhance national cybersecurity resilience. Incentivizing external expertise to uncover and fix vulnerabilities in defense systems. 4
Integration of Emerging Technologies in Cyber Operations DoD explores the intersection of emerging technologies with cyber capabilities. Shift from conventional cyber tactics to incorporating emerging technologies in defense. Cyber operations will leverage advanced technologies, making them more sophisticated and effective. Rapid technological advancement necessitates integration into defense strategies. 5
Long-term Cyber Defense Strategy DoD focuses on the long-term impact of its cyber efforts. Transition from reactive measures to a proactive, long-term cybersecurity strategy. Cybersecurity will be deeply embedded in military and national strategies, ensuring resilience. Acknowledgment of the persistent and evolving nature of cyber threats. 5

Concerns

name description relevancy
Increased Cyber Vulnerability of Allied Partners The focus on boosting allies’ cyber capabilities could inadvertently expose them to higher risks if not managed properly. 4
Malicious Cyber Activity from State Actors China and Russia’s use of cyberattacks as asymmetric warfare highlights a dangerous escalation in international relations and cybersecurity threats. 5
Over-reliance on Bug Bounty Programs The increasing dependence on bug bounty initiatives may not be sufficient to address all cybersecurity challenges effectively. 3
Critical Infrastructure Security Risks Defending critical infrastructure against sophisticated cyber threats remains a pressing concern for national security. 5
Emerging Technologies and Cybercapabilities Intersection The exploration of new technologies in cybersecurity could lead to unforeseen vulnerabilities if not carefully evaluated. 4
Cyber Workforce Development Challenges While training is emphasized, the speed of technological advancement may outpace workforce readiness and competency. 4
Long-term Impact of Cyber Strategy Ensuring a lasting effect of the cyber strategy may prove challenging amid rapid cyber threat evolution. 4

Behaviors

name description relevancy
Enhancing Cyber Capabilities of Allies The DoD is focused on boosting the cybersecurity capabilities of its allies and partners to strengthen collective defense. 5
Investment in Cyber Workforce Development The strategy emphasizes training and developing the cyber workforce of partners to create a more resilient defense network. 5
Proactive Cyber Defense and Disruption The Pentagon aims to not only defend but also disrupt malicious cyber actors’ capabilities as part of its cyber strategy. 5
Leveraging Emerging Technologies in Cyber Operations Exploring the intersection of emerging technologies with cyber capabilities to enhance operational effectiveness. 4
Bug Bounty Programs to Enhance Security The launch of ‘Hack the Pentagon’ and similar programs aims to recruit security researchers to identify vulnerabilities. 4
Cultivating Cybersecurity Culture Fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness and education across the defense enterprise is a priority. 4
Long-term Cyber Strategy Impact The DoD is focused on ensuring that its cyber strategy has a sustainable and long-term impact on national security. 5

Technologies

name description relevancy
Cyber Operations Forces Optimization Enhancing the organization, training, and equipping of cyberspace operations forces for improved defense capabilities. 5
Cybersecurity Infrastructure Augmentation Improving the cybersecurity infrastructure of partners to enhance collective resilience against cyber threats. 5
Bug Bounty Programs Initiatives like ‘Hack the Pentagon’ to recruit security researchers and improve cybersecurity through community engagement. 4
Intelligent Cyber Threat Intelligence Utilizing timely and actionable intelligence to support cyberspace operations and enhance defensive strategies. 4
Cyber Workforce Development Investing in education, training, and knowledge development for personnel in cybersecurity roles. 5
Asymmetric Advantage Generation Leveraging cyberspace operations to gain advantages over adversaries, particularly in military contexts. 5

Issues

name description relevancy
Strengthening Cyber Alliances The US DoD aims to enhance the cyber capabilities and resilience of allied nations against cyber threats. 4
Cyber Defense of Critical Infrastructure Focus on defending national critical infrastructure and disrupting threat actors’ capabilities. 5
Emerging Technologies in Cyber Operations Exploring the intersection of emerging technologies and cyber capabilities for enhanced defense strategies. 4
Cybersecurity Workforce Development Investment in training and knowledge development of personnel to foster a culture of cybersecurity. 4
Public-Private Cyber Collaboration Initiatives like ‘Hack the Pentagon’ promote collaboration between government and security researchers to enhance cybersecurity. 3
Response to State-Sponsored Cyber Threats Addressing malicious cyber activities from state actors like China and Russia that target US military capabilities. 5
Vulnerability Management in National Security Increasing focus on identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities within US defense systems and infrastructure. 4