A Defense Department spokesperson responded late Tuesday to a report from the Government Accountability Office that DoD faces challenges in protecting weapons systems from cyber attacks by saying the agency is “continuously strengthening” its defense cybersecurity posture.
The GAO report, also issued Tuesday, said DoD has been challenged by a “late start” in prioritizing weapons systems cybersecurity, and needs to “sustain its momentum” in developing and implementing key weapon systems security initiatives. The watchdog agency offered no specific recommendations to DoD and said it will continue to evaluate the Pentagon’s progress.
“The Department stands ready as part of the synchronized whole-of-government approach to preserve peace through strength by identifying, countering, disrupting, degrading, and deterring behavior in cyberspace that is destabilizing and contrary to national interests,” the DoD spokesperson said in a statement.
“We are continuously strengthening our defensive posture through network hardening, improved cybersecurity, and working with our international allies and partners and our Defense Industrial Base and Defense Critical Infrastructure partners to secure critical information,” the spokesperson said.
