Threat Management, Vulnerability Management

U.S. vows cyber counterattack against Russia

The Obama administration will deliver what it is describing as a “proportional” response against Russia in retaliation for that country launching a series of cyberattacks against U.S. political targets.

White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest told reporters of the decision, which took place a week after President Obama singled out Russia as being responsible for cyberattacks on various targets including the Democratic National Committee, reported Politico.

Exactly what the response will be was left open, but it could range from economic sanctions to a cyber counterattack. Earnest said. Whatever form the action takes it will be done without advanced warning, Earnest said.

U.S. Cyber Command had stood up several more than 40 cyber mission teams as of June, which are capable of handling tasks ranging from on the battlefield to a global scale. Lt. General James McLaughlin, deputy commander of U.S. Cyber Command said in June that Cyber Command already has the authority, which it has used,  to respond within the cyber domain to attacks. He also would not into detail during a public hearing, but said he in the closed committee session to follow he would show the committee members the level of attacks endured each day by the DoD and give an example of a Cyber Command response.

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