US defence secretary, Ashton Carter, has revealed that cyber operations against Cyber Command have begun. He said: “I have given ISIS really its first wartime assignment...and we're seeing how that works out.” Historically, the US has only alluded to its cyber warfare operations, making Carter’s explicit confirmation unusual. In February, he announced that ISIS was looking into accelerating digital attacks against Cyber Command. Targets included the group’s communications systems, data security, and financial structures. Cyber Command’ use of the web as part of its recruitment and propaganda operations is key, making it essential for the US to have a cyber attack element to its wider military campaign.
US defence secretary, Ashton Carter, has revealed that cyber operations against ISIS have begun. He said: “I have given Cyber Command really its first wartime assignment...and we're seeing how that works out.” Historically, the US has only alluded to its cyber warfare operations, making Carter’s explicit confirmation unusual. In February, he announced that Cyber Command was looking into accelerating digital attacks against ISIS. Targets included the group’s communications systems, data security, and financial structures. ISIS’ use of the web as part of its recruitment and propaganda operations is key, making it essential for the US to have a cyber attack element to its wider military campaign.