Cybersecurity Policy Report, Cyber Would Be High on Hagel's Agenda, but Defense Nominee Offers Few Details, (Feb 4, 2013)
Former Sen. Chuck Hagel (R., Neb.) promised a Senate committee this week that he would make cyber defense a top priority if he is confirmed as the next leader of the Defense Department. But Mr. Hagel offered few specifics regarding how his approach would differ from the outgoing secretary, Leon Panetta.
"Cyber represents as big a threat to the security of this country as any one specific threat," he told the Senate Armed Services Committee during his Jan. 21 confirmation hearing. "It's an insidious, quiet kind of threat that we've never quite seen before. It can paralyze a nation in a second."
He noted that the Senate had failed to adopt cybersecurity legislation last year but would try again. "This body went through a pretty agonizing three months at the end of 2012 trying to find a bill they could agree on," he said. "I think you must" revisit the issue, he added. "And I think you know that."
Under Mr. Panetta, DoD leaders have indicated that spending on cybersecurity would rise even as other programs are cut. Mr. Hagel said he would review those plans and consult with Congress on how to proceed.
"The current fiscal situation will force hard choices across a range of priority missions, including cyber," he said in his written answers to the committee. "If confirmed, I will consult closely with military and civilian leaders in the department, the president, and Congress in finding the right balance."
He said he would also review DoD's approach to the use of offensive cyber capabilities. "My current view is that defending the homeland from cyber attacks should involve the full range of tools at the disposal of the United States, including diplomacy and law enforcement as well as any authorized military operations," he said.
News: Cybersecurity