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DOD plans to increase cybersecurity force

Cyberwarfare has emerged as a growing threat in the modern IT ecosystem. Both the private and public sectors have had to consider the potential of a state-sponsored data stealing campaign, but the Department of Defense recently brought the risk into greater focus. Washington Post columnist Ellen Nakashima recently reported that the DOD intends to put more resources into its Cyber Command, a group dedicated to mitigating web-based threats.

Cyber Command was formed in 2010 as part of the U.S. Strategic Command. While initially focused on collecting and integrating resources to improve computer and website security across government agencies, Nakashima suggested there is now a push to transform it into an "internet-era fighting force." Cyber Command currently consists of approximately 900 personnel, but will expand to include more than 4,900 over the next several years. Although the exact parameters of the planned shift have not been set in stone, the newspaper was able to get some information from anonymous government officials.

"The plan calls for the creation of three types of forces under the Cyber Command: 'national mission forces' to protect computer systems that undergird electrical grids, power plants and other infrastructure deemed critical to national and economic security; 'combat mission forces' to help commanders abroad plan and execute attacks or other offensive operations; and 'cyber protection forces' to fortify the Defense Department's networks.

Although the plan represents a strong step forward in risk awareness, Nakashima said that experts have doubts as to how the U.S. Armed Forces can recruit enough professionals with cybersecurity expertise. Particularly as it crosses paths with the National Security Agency, training costs and the overall role of Cyber Command have also been raised as top concerns.

Attacks from multiple angles
One of the challenges many organizations are realizing is that cybercriminals are as diverse as their tactics. While a great deal of focus is given to malware developers and highly organized hacker groups, the information housed by many corporate web servers can be valuable to almost anyone. Tech Week Europe writer Tom Brewster outlined several incidents that ranged from hackers infiltrating networks for business espionage to an overly zealous journalist compromising an email account to learn the identity of an anonymous blogger.

Just as the DOD has taken measures to strengthen its online security standing, businesses must implement best practices and supporting policies to protect their sensitive data. Particularly as more information moves between companies and their customers, implementing SSL certificates to guard that information will be an important component of fortifying digital protections.

Strengthen your website's security by getting your SSL certificate today.

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