WASHINGTON - The Navy admiral in charge of the military's Cyber Command says Russia and China present the greatest cyber security threat to the U.S., but Iran is trying to increase and spend more on its capabilities.
Adm. Michael Rogers tells the Senate Armed Services Committee that while the U.S. has more overall military power than the three countries, the gaps are narrower when it comes to cyber warfare.
He says U.S. Cyber Command is making progress building cyber mission teams, and will have 133 fully operational by September 2018. He says nearly 100 teams are already conducting cyberspace operations.
Defense Secretary Ash Carter has beefed up the use of offensive cyber warfare in Iraq and Syria. He is considering elevating Cyber Command to a full, independent military command.
Carter spoke about the need for a strong cyber strategy, particularly in the fight against ISIS.
According to a report from the Government Accountability Office, the United States does not have a game plan in the event of a massive cyberattack.
The GAO report says while a Cyber Command is currently in place, it is considered a sub-command because of a chain of command implemented 30 years ago.
