NATIONAL HARBOR, Md.–Advancements in cyberspace will be the “game changer” in the next major conflict, as much as air power played the pivotal role in World War II, the Air Force’s director for cyberspace operations said recently.
“Innovative advancements in cyber technology will be the game changer in the next conflict,” Maj. Gen. Earl Matthews told a gathering at the Air Force Association’s annual conference. “The cyber domain will evolve and dictate changes in tactics, operations and strategy much in the same way that air power technology influenced the outcome of World War II.”
Matthews said safeguarding the military from cyber-attacks goes well beyond simply constructing network barriers, as new threats have emerged and have proven that can penetrate networks. Instead, there needs to an in increased focus on information assuredness along with policies in place regarding encryption and other measures to protect data, he said.
“We built this proverbial Maginot Line,” he said. “Now we have to find ways to defend behind the line, and fight through attacks, as our adversary has found ways to go over, under the through our defenses.”
“It is time to shift from network focused defenses to more information focused defenses and mission assurance,” he added.