Pentagon can now go on cyber offensive

Defense Appropriations Bill signed by President Obama gives the Defense Department the ability to conduct cyber attacks.

The Defense Department has the go-ahead to go on the cyber offensive.

Congress approved the Pentagon’s ability to conduct cyber attacks under the direction of the President, and in order to defend the nation’s interests or allies.

Lawmakers affirmed DoD’s right in the Defense Authorization Bill signed by President Obama last week.

The bill states the rules for cyber attacks follows those for military activity under the War Powers Resolution and the law of armed conflict.

It also directs the Defense Secretary to submit to Congress a report no later than April 1, 2012, that lays out DoD’s actions to implement the cyber plan.

This story is part of Federal News Radio’s daily Cybersecurity Update. For more cybersecurity news, click here.

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