Congress gives DoD green light on cyber attacks

Congress has given the Defense Department explicit authority to launch offensive operations in cyberspace.

The provision included in the National Defense Authorization Act passed by lawmakers affirms that DoD has offensive cyber capabilities and that the department "may conduct offensive operations in cyberspace" when directed to do so by the President. The legislation calls on DoD to select at least one official to coordinate, oversee and carry out collaborative cyber activities with the Department of Homeland Security. DHS is likewise required to assign a director of cybersecurity coordination to work with DoD.