The United States Department of Defense (DOD) has recently released an unclassified summary of its classified cyber strategy for the year. Titled the “2023 Cyber Strategy,” this summary provides insight into the collaboration, joint efforts, and dedicated approach that the DOD employs to defend the nation’s critical infrastructure.
The 2023 Cyber Strategy is built upon the foundations laid by several key strategies, including the 2022 National Security Strategy, the 2022 National Defense Strategy (NDS), and the 2023 National Cybersecurity Strategy.
The 2023 Cyber Strategy emphasizes the importance of a collective effort in defending against cyber threats. The DOD states that cyber capabilities held in reserve or employed in isolation have little deterrent effect on their own. Instead, these capabilities are most effective when used in conjunction with other instruments of national power, creating a deterrent greater than the sum of its parts. The DOD is committed to aggressively moving forward in cyberspace operations to disrupt cybercriminal activities, in collaboration with the U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM), and global allies and partners.
The 2023 Cyber Strategy highlights the ever-evolving threat landscape faced by the U.S. It identifies the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Russian cybercriminals as the most active threat actors. The strategy highlights the PRC’s view of superiority in cyberspace as core to its theories of victory. The PRC has targeted the U.S. Defense Industrial Base (DIB), engaging in cyberespionage, theft, compromise of defense networks, and other malicious activities.
Russian adversaries have also been named as a significant threat to U.S. cybersecurity. They have been found to negatively influence trust and confidence in U.S. elections. In addition, the 2023 Cyber Strategy notes that Russia’s military and intelligence have threatened with kinetic operations and a global propaganda campaign during the Russo-Ukrainian war.
Other adversaries mentioned in the 2023 Cyber Strategy include North Korea, Iran, and violent extremist organizations. These actors have launched cyber attacks on U.S. infrastructure, and the strategy aims to address various forms of cyber threats from these entities.
To combat these threats and safeguard U.S. and allied networks and infrastructure, the 2023 Cyber Strategy outlines specific plans. These include collaborating with interagency partners, advancing Joint Force objectives along with the Department of Defense Information Network (DODIN), expanding potential cyber cooperation with allies and partners, and optimizing the training and equipping of Cyberspace Operations Forces.
The strategy also emphasizes the need to foster a culture of cybersecurity and cyber awareness within the defense enterprise. It calls for investment in the education, training, and knowledge development of personnel involved in cybersecurity. Every soldier, sailor, airman, marine, guardian, coast guardsman, DoD civilian, and contractor is responsible for exercising cyber awareness and helping to manage the risk of the Department.
The 2023 Cyber Strategy serves as an important guide for the DOD’s efforts in defending against cyber threats and maintaining the cybersecurity of the United States and its allies. By highlighting the collaborative approach, identifying threats, and outlining specific plans, the strategy demonstrates the DOD’s commitment to protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring the nation’s security in cyberspace.
Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.