Hegseth Suspends U.S. Cyber Attacks on Russia, Sparking Concerns/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered a halt to offensive cyber operations against Russia by U.S. Cyber Command, raising concerns among national security experts. While other agencies like the CIA remain active in cyber operations, the decision comes amid broader Trump administration rollbacks of cybersecurity efforts. Experts warn that reducing offensive cyber capabilities leaves the U.S. vulnerable to increasing threats from Russia and China.
U.S. Cyber Strategy Shift: Quick Look
- Pentagon Orders Pause: Hegseth halts U.S. Cyber Command’s offensive operations against Russia.
- Trump Administration’s Stance: FBI and other agencies also scaling back cyber efforts.
- National Security Warnings: Experts call for stronger cyber capabilities, not reductions.
- CIA Director’s Concern: John Ratcliffe urges aggressive cyber operations to deter adversaries.
- AI and Cyber Threats: AI is making cyberattacks more powerful and scalable.
- Election Security at Risk: FBI disbands task force monitoring foreign election interference.
- Ukraine Negotiation Link?: Move comes before Trump-Zelenskyy dispute over peace talks.
- Potential Consequences: Critics fear increased vulnerability to cyber warfare.
Hegseth Suspends U.S. Cyber Attacks on Russia, Sparking Concerns
U.S. Cyber Offensives Paused as Experts Warn of Risks
Pentagon Scales Back Cyber Operations
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has suspended U.S. Cyber Command’s offensive operations against Russia, marking a significant shift in U.S. cybersecurity policy. The move, confirmed by a U.S. official on condition of anonymity, comes amid broader efforts by the Trump administration to scale back cybersecurity initiatives across multiple federal agencies.
The pause does not affect cyber activities conducted by intelligence agencies such as the CIA, nor does it impact operations led by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). However, national security experts warn that reducing offensive cyber capabilities weakens the U.S.’s ability to deter threats from Russia and China.
A Step Back in Cyber Defense?
Hegseth’s decision aligns with broader cybersecurity rollbacks under the Trump administration. In recent months, the White House has scaled back FBI-led initiatives aimed at countering foreign cyber threats, while the Justice Department has disbanded an election security task force.
Experts fear these actions will leave the U.S. exposed to cyber espionage, economic warfare, and election interference. Snehal Antani, CEO of cybersecurity firm Horizon3.ai, warned that cyber warfare is rapidly evolving, making offensive capabilities more important than ever.
“We are entering this era of cyber-enabled economic warfare at the nation-state level,” Antani explained. “Offense is significantly ahead of defense, and it’s going to take time for defense to catch up.”
Rising Threats from Russia and China
Both Russia and China have used cyber operations to disrupt U.S. interests, targeting economic systems, government infrastructure, and elections. Cyber espionage enables adversaries to steal American trade secrets, manipulate supply chains, and infiltrate government systems controlling critical infrastructure such as water plants, traffic grids, and hospitals.
John Ratcliffe, CIA Director and former Director of National Intelligence, has repeatedly stressed the need for stronger cyber defenses. During his Senate confirmation hearing, he argued that America’s adversaries view cyber operations as a primary weapon in modern warfare.
“I want us to have all of the tools necessary to go on offense against our adversaries in the cyber community,” Ratcliffe said.
Potential Link to Ukraine Negotiations?
The timing of the Pentagon’s cyber pause has raised questions about whether the move is tied to ongoing U.S.-Russia-Ukraine negotiations. Just days after the order was issued, President Donald Trump clashed with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office, reportedly expressing frustration over Kyiv’s resistance to peace talks with Moscow.
Trump has made ending the war in Ukraine a priority, and his decision to pause U.S. aid to Ukraine has fueled speculation that his administration is using various forms of leverage—potentially including cyber policy—to push for a resolution. However, the White House has not commented on any link between Hegseth’s order and negotiations with Russia.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Cyber Warfare
One of the key concerns about scaling back U.S. cyber efforts is the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in cyber threats. AI-powered tools now allow adversaries to conduct large-scale disinformation campaigns, exploit software vulnerabilities, and bypass security systems more effectively than ever before.
“The internet has created new battlefields,” Antani explained. “AI is making it easier and cheaper for bad actors—whether it’s Russia, China, North Korea, or cybercriminal groups—to step up their attacks at scale.”
In an environment where offensive cyber capabilities have outpaced defensive measures, security experts argue that the U.S. should be expanding its cyber arsenal rather than limiting it.
Election Security Concerns Grow
Beyond traditional cyber warfare, cybersecurity experts warn that reducing U.S. offensive capabilities could embolden Russia’s efforts to interfere in U.S. elections. Attorney General Pam Bondi has already disbanded an FBI task force focused on countering foreign election meddling, further raising alarms among national security analysts.
Liana Keesing, a cybersecurity policy expert at Issue One, a nonprofit focused on democracy and technology, said the administration’s approach is playing into Russia’s hands.
“Instead of confronting this threat, the Trump administration has actively taken steps to make it easier for the Kremlin to interfere in our electoral processes,” Keesing said.
What’s Next for U.S. Cyber Policy?
While the Pentagon’s decision is now in effect, it remains unclear whether it will be a long-term shift or a temporary pause. The move has sparked bipartisan criticism, with many lawmakers arguing that reducing offensive cyber operations will only embolden America’s adversaries.
With AI-driven cyber threats on the rise and election security in question, national security officials are urging the administration to reconsider its approach before the U.S. loses critical ground in the cyber battlefield.
For now, the pause signals a shift in strategy—but whether it strengthens or weakens U.S. national security remains a fiercely debated question.
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