An Assessment of the Department of Defense Strategy for Operating in Cyberspace
Abstract
In some ways, the cyber domain is quite different from the traditional operational domains of air, land, sea, and space. Cyber threats are stealthy and difficult to attribute; critical infrastructures are difficult to defend against unseen and unpredictable adversaries. The 2011 Department of Defense (DoD) Strategy for Operating in Cyberspace was a significant policy statement for publicly embracing cyberspace as an operational domain and declaring a number of strategic initiatives to maintain U.S. security in the face of emerging cyber threats. In this monograph, Dr. Thomas Chen explains the strategies as they have evolved from previous national strategies and examines each strategy critically for clarity, comprehensiveness, and novelty. This monograph contributes to an important ongoing dialogue about current policy and addresses the question, How should the cyber domain be managed so as to protect U.S. assets and interests? According to the DoD Strategy, defense will depend on novel operating concepts; partnerships between government and industry; international partnerships with allies; and investment in cyber training and research and development. But does the DoD Strategy go sufficiently far enough to ensure U.S. superiority in the cyber domain? The cyber threat landscape is constantly evolving, therefore, it is important to continually revisit the national strategy and ask, as in this monograph, whether the national strategy is adequately meeting existing and emerging challenges.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA586430
Entities
People
- Thomas M. Chen
Organizations
- United States Army War College