The US has paused its offensive cyber operations against Russia, as confirmed by a senior official. This decision is seen as a significant setback, as planning these operations requires time and effort. The pause raises concerns that the US may become more vulnerable to cyberattacks from Russian hackers, notorious for targeting critical infrastructure and gathering sensitive information.
This suspension comes during a broader effort by the Trump administration for improved relations with Russia, three years into the conflict in Ukraine. This shift has raised questions about the future of US support for Ukraine, especially after President Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a recent Oval Office meeting.
A senior defense official highlighted that due to security reasons, details about cyber intelligence, operations, and plans are not discussed. The priority remains the safety of military personnel involved in these operations, according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The Record was the first to report on this pause by Cyber Command, the military unit responsible for offensive and defensive cyber actions. Former Cyber Command official Jason Kikta explained that such a pause is not unusual when the Pentagon seeks to avoid destabilizing situations during negotiations, but it can make offensive options less viable over time.
Kikta further noted that if operations and planning are not regularly updated, there is a risk of losing access or missing critical changes in the cyber landscape. Tensions between Russia and the US in cyberspace are consistent, as Russia exploits cyber capabilities to undermine US national interests and influence elections.
In recent years, the US has increasingly targeted Russian hackers and intelligence operatives as part of its cyber defense strategy. Since 2016, when Russia attempted to sway the US presidential election, officials say Moscow has used similar tactics in every election since.
Established over a decade ago to tackle threats like those from Russia, Cyber Command has evolved into a robust unit of skilled cyber operatives executing various missions. Based at Fort Meade, Maryland, alongside the National Security Agency, it also extends its support to allies globally, helping them defend against cyber threats.
For instance, in December 2021, Cyber Command assisted Ukraine in preparing for anticipated Russian cyberattacks before the full-scale invasion. Following this invasion, it became actively involved in helping Ukraine counter Russian cyber offensives.
Despite these changes in Cyber Command’s approach, the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) remains focused on defending against all cyber threats, including those from Russia. CISA confirmed that there has been no change in its commitment to protecting US critical infrastructure and labeled any reports suggesting otherwise as false.
This situation highlights the complexities and ongoing tensions in the cyber realm between the US and Russia, with both nations constantly adapting their strategies in response to each other’s capabilities.
