US Unable to Defend Against Cyber Attacks - Pentagon Experts

Pentagon officials have warned the US against carrying out a cyber attack on another state, because it would be unable to defend itself against a counterattack.

Experts from the US Department of Defense told a Senate hearing on Tuesday that the US should avoid carrying out a cyber attack, and is in a "glass house" when it comes to cyber warfare. Although the US has the capability to launch a cyber offensive, says the Pentagon, it would be vulnerable to a counterattack.

"I'm very worried about how vulnerable we are, and that someone would then follow our example and just try to show the U.S. that they could also take down part of the infrastructure to demonstrate that," said Eric Rosenbach, principal cyber adviser to Defense Secretary Ash Carter. "So, I think a cautious approach where we're conservative and we try to keep things stable is quite important."

"The U.S. is a glass house when it comes to #cyber," says Rosenbach. Adds it's important to use many "tools in the toolbox." #partnerships

— DoDNews (@DoDNews) 14 апреля 2015

The above Tweet is from the US Department of Defense public relations team, spreading the word about its vulnerability to cyber-attacks. 

At a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee’s emerging threats and capabilities subcommittee, Rosenbach said the department was working on a new cyber strategy due for release next week, which "will guide the way forward for the next several years in cyber." 

In an effort to improve US cyber defenses, said Rosenbach, the Defense Department was looking at ways to attract well-qualified experts to its ranks, including "tunnels of talent" to fast-track those with expertise, who would form part of a "cyber mission force" to help defend against attacks.