{"id":19376,"date":"2018-10-03T15:22:17","date_gmt":"2018-10-03T15:22:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/uncategorized\/2018\/10\/03\/us-to-offer-cyberwar-capabilities-to-nato-allies\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T17:46:46","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T17:46:46","slug":"us-to-offer-cyberwar-capabilities-to-nato-allies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/global\/europe\/2018\/10\/03\/us-to-offer-cyberwar-capabilities-to-nato-allies\/","title":{"rendered":"US to offer cyberwar capabilities to NATO allies"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

BRUSSELS \u2014 Acting to counter Russia\u2019s aggressive use of cyberattacks across Europe and around the world, the U.S. is expected to announce that, if asked, it will use its formidable cyberwarfare capabilities on NATO\u2019s behalf, according to a senior U.S. official.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The announcement is expected in the coming days as U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis attends a meeting of NATO defense ministers on Wednesday and Thursday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Katie Wheelbarger, the principal deputy assistant defense secretary for international security affairs, said the U.S. is committing to use offensive and defensive cyber operations for NATO allies, but America will maintain control over its own personnel and capabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The decision comes on the heels of the NATO summit in July<\/a>, when members agreed to allow the alliance to use cyber capabilities that are provided voluntarily by allies to protect networks and respond to cyberattacks. It reflects growing concerns by the U.S. and its allies over Moscow\u2019s use of cyber operations to influence elections in America and elsewhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Russia is constantly pushing its cyber and information operations,” said Wheelbarger, adding that this is a way for the U.S. to show its continued commitment to NATO.<\/p>\n\n\n\t