The United States has suddenly stopped its covert cyber warfare operations. A high-ranking US official informed CNN that offensive cyber operations and planning against Russia have been put on hold. This suspension is considered a significant setback, as it requires time and research to carry out such operations. The concern is that this pause may leave the US more susceptible to potential cyberattacks from Moscow, which boasts a skilled group of hackers capable of disrupting critical US infrastructure and gathering sensitive intelligence.
The halt in operations and planning by US Cyber Command, the military’s unit for offensive and defensive cyber activities, coincides with the Trump administration’s efforts to establish a broader détente with Russia amidst Moscow’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office, casting doubt on the US-Ukraine relationship.
A senior defense official emphasized the priority of ensuring the safety of military personnel in all operations, including those in the cyber domain, and declined to comment on cyber intelligence, plans, or operations due to security reasons. The suspension of planning related to Russia by Cyber Command was initially reported by The Record.
Former Cyber Command official Jason Kikta noted that pausing potentially destabilizing actions during negotiations, including cyber operations, is not uncommon. However, a halt in planning could render offensive options ineffective. Kikta warned that extended periods without updating planning could lead to loss of access or missing crucial developments.
US and Russian officials have highlighted the ongoing cyber confrontation between the two countries. The Kremlin views cyberspace as a means to gain an advantage over the US by infiltrating critical infrastructure and influencing elections. American military and intelligence hackers have also targeted Russian cyber criminals and operatives in recent years.
Established over a decade ago, Cyber Command was created in response to threats from Russia and other foreign entities. The unit, based at Fort Meade, Maryland, alongside the National Security Agency, has evolved into a sizable force of computer experts conducting offensive and defensive missions. Cyber Command has assisted allies worldwide in defending against cyber threats, including a mission to aid Ukraine in preparing for Russian cyberattacks ahead of the invasion in December 2021.
Months after the full-scale Russian invasion, Cyber Command confirmed its active engagement in cyber operations.
Assisting Ukraine in defending itself against cyberattacks remains a key priority. Despite the adjustments in planning at Cyber Command, another significant federal cybersecurity entity has confirmed that it is maintaining its current stance. The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, which is the primary civilian agency responsible for safeguarding federal networks from cyber intrusions, announced on Sunday night via X that its core mission is to protect US Critical Infrastructure from all cyber threats, including those originating from Russia. The agency made it clear that there have been no modifications to its current posture, contrary to media reports suggesting a shift towards focusing on non-Russia related threats. The agency also emphasized that any reports claiming otherwise are false and detrimental to national security. This story has been updated with additional details. To access more news and newsletters from CNN, you can create an account on CNN.com.
