By Winston
May 31, 2010
With little fanfare, the U.S. Cyber Command (CYBERCOM) has officially begun operation this week. The entity is a collection of personnel from the National Security Agency (NSA), Army, Navy, Marine, Air Force and policy makers (read that politicians). The stated purpose is to protect the vital interests of the United States in relation to the Internet. The entity is not just defensive in nature but can also engage in preemptive “strikes” intended to disrupt threats. Because this was an internal reorganization within the Department of Defense, the creation of CYBERCOM did not require congressional approval.
Even though the primary purpose of CYBERCOM is to protect government and military networks, there is incredible pressure to extend that “protection” to civilian and business networks as well. In fact, the second highest official at the Pentagon, William Lynn III - Deputy Secretary of Defense, recently announced that the Department of Defense might start a protective program for civilian networks. Defense Secretary Robert Gates stated the same thing in June 2009.
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George Orwell is spinning in his grave, saying I told you so, I told you so!
ReplyDeleteYep - we surely need to "protect" all those civilians from themselves (lest they hurt us).
ReplyDeleteGeorge Orwell??? Yes, but thake a look at his very apt "Animal Farm" novel as well as "1984". The animals are indeed running the farm now!!