How the DOD Can be Successful against the Major Cyber Threat Actors?
CYBERSECURITY REQUIRES A HOLISTIC APPROACH AT ALL LEVELS
The Department of Defense (DoD) is critical in protecting the United States against cyber threats from prominent actors like Russia, China, and Iran. These countries have demonstrated significant capabilities in the cyber domain and have been responsible for a range of malicious activities, including espionage, sabotage, and disruption of critical infrastructure. The DoD should consider several strategies to be more successful against these threat actors.
One key strategy is to focus on improving cybersecurity at all levels of the organization. This includes implementing robust security protocols and practices, conducting regular training and drills to ensure that personnel are aware of and prepared for potential threats, and investing in advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning to help identify and mitigate threats in real time.
Another important strategy is strengthening partnerships and collaborations with other government agencies, the private sector, and international partners. By sharing information and resources, the DoD can more effectively identify and respond to cyber threats, making it harder for threat actors to operate. This includes working with agencies like the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI and engaging with private companies and foreign governments that may have valuable insights and capabilities.
In addition to these broader efforts, specific weaknesses can be exploited in the cyber operations of Russia, China, and Iran. For example:
- Russia: One major weakness of Russia’s cyber operations is that they are often conducted by state-sponsored hackers who are relatively easy to track and attribute. This makes it easier for the DoD and other organizations to identify the source of an attack and take appropriate action. In addition, Russian hackers often rely on well-known tactics and techniques, which can be detected and thwarted by effective defenses.
- China: One of China’s main weaknesses in the cyber domain is its reliance on a small number of well-known attack vectors. By focusing on these vectors, the DoD can take proactive measures to protect against potential attacks and disrupt the operations of Chinese hackers. Additionally, China’s cyber operations often focus on espionage, which may be less effective at causing significant disruption or destruction.
- Iran: Iran’s cyber capabilities are generally considered less advanced than those of Russia and China, but they have still been responsible for several significant attacks. One potential weakness of Iranian hackers is their reliance on custom-built malware, which can be challenging to detect and defend against. However, by analyzing and studying these tools, the DoD can better understand Iran’s capabilities and develop more effective countermeasures.
The DoD must be proactive and adaptive in its efforts to defend against prominent cyber threat actors like Russia, China, and Iran. By improving cybersecurity at all levels, strengthening partnerships and collaborations, and exploiting specific weaknesses, the DoD can better protect the United States and its interests in the digital age.
Dr. Russo is currently the Senior Data Scientist with Cybersenetinel AI in Washington, DC. He is a former Senior Information Security Engineer within the Department of Defense’s (DOD) F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program. He has an extensive background in cybersecurity and is an expert in the Risk Management Framework (RMF) and DOD Instruction 8510, which implement RMF throughout the DOD and the federal government. He holds a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification and a CISSP in information security architecture (ISSAP). He has a 2017 Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) certification from the National Defense University, Washington, DC. Dr. Russo retired from the US Army Reserves in 2012 as a Senior Intelligence Officer.
