Pentagon Leaders Anticipate Cybercom 2.0 to Counter Chinese Threats

Pentagon Enhances Cyber Defense with Cybercom 2.0

The Department of Defense (DOD) is implementing a new cyber force generation model, Cybercom 2.0, to improve the U.S. military's ability to counter cyber threats, particularly those from China. This initiative aims to modernize the development of digital forces and talent.

Combating "Living off the Land" Tactics

A key concern is the digital tactic known as "living off the land," where adversaries like Volt Typhoon infiltrate networks and use native commands and features to blend in with legitimate traffic. According to Army Lt. Gen. William Hartman, acting commander of U.S. Cyber Command and director of the National Security Agency, these actors have been observed in telecommunication systems and critical infrastructure. The Cybercom 2.0 program seeks to enhance the effectiveness of identifying and removing these threats.

Key aspects of Cybercom 2.0 include:

• Specialization: Focusing on cultivating specialization within the cyber workforce instead of rotating personnel through general assignments. Katie Sutton, assistant secretary of defense for cyber policy, noted that some teams might specialize in defending satellite communications and GPS systems, while others focus on protecting power grids and transportation networks.
• AI and Automation: Integrating AI and automation to assist in network defense. Hartman stated that these technologies will help identify the most critical data for analysts to review, enhancing network protection.
• Cyber Innovation Warfare Center (CIWC): The Cyber Innovation Warfare Center focuses on adopting and operationalizing innovations, particularly in AI and automation. This includes developing new training modules, doctrines, and tactics to leverage these capabilities effectively.

Modernizing Cyber Forces

The implementation plan overview emphasizes the necessity of a strong, integrated national cyber workforce to defend critical infrastructure and counter significant cyber threats. The goal is to develop cyber forces equipped for precision, agility, and lethality.

According to the DOD, the legacy force generation model is inconsistent and hinders the ability to adapt quickly to threats. The Cybercom 2.0 initiative addresses this by modernizing the approach to building and developing digital forces.

Role of AI and Automation

Hartman emphasized that AI and automation are integral to Cybercom's plan for defending American networks. He noted the importance of closing the loop between offensive and defensive capabilities, using real-time knowledge to drive network defense. The Army-executed effort known as Panoptic Junction is being considered for scaling to help identify Chinese "living off the land" tactics.

The Cyber Innovation Warfare Center

Sutton highlighted the role of the Cyber Innovation Warfare Center in adopting rapidly evolving technologies like AI and automation. The CIWC aims to integrate operational input and quickly address material and non-material aspects of technology adoption, ensuring effective training and development of new tactics.

Congressional Oversight

House lawmakers received a classified briefing on the Cybercom 2.0 model, led by Gen. Timothy Haugh, commander of U.S. Cyber Command, and Ashley Manning, acting assistant secretary of defense for cyber policy. Rep. Don Bacon, chairman of the House Armed Services Cyber, Information Technologies, and Innovation subcommittee, noted the importance of developing DOD’s cyber force posture, capacity, and capabilities to match the strategic environment.

Future Directions

Cybercom 2.0 encompasses four main areas:

• A new force generation model.
• A talent management model.
• An advanced training and education center.
• A cyber innovation warfare center.

These components are designed to modernize the command and address advanced threats in the dynamic cyberspace domain.

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