The Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) has advanced a provision in its annual defense policy bill to authorize a pilot program for the US government to partner with civilian contractors for cyber operations. This initiative aims to assess the feasibility of using civilian hackers with their own infrastructure to gain access to systems, all under the operational direction of US Cyber Command (CYBERCOM).
Experts believe this could help the US counter China's significant cyber personnel advantage and leverage America's private sector innovation. While the provision is limited to "gaining access" and does not permit "effects" operations, some experts raise concerns about potential reprisals against civilian infrastructure, international norm violations, and contractor liability. Proponents argue it scales US cyber capabilities, frees military personnel for "mastery" of cyber warfare, and fosters rapid innovation by utilizing private sector tools without lengthy acquisition processes. The move is seen as a crucial step towards closer public-private collaboration in cyberspace.
No comments:
Post a Comment