Defense Primer: Cyberspace Operations (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Revised Nov. 29, 2024 |
| Report Number |
IF10537 |
| Report Type |
In Focus |
| Authors |
Catherine A. Theohary |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
| Older Revisions |
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Summary:
The Department of Defense (DOD) defines cyberspace as a
global domain within the information environment (IE)
consisting of the interdependent networks of information
technology infrastructures and resident data, including the
internet, telecommunications networks, computer systems,
and embedded processors and controllers. Joint Publication
(JP) 3-12, Joint Cyberspace Operations describes
cyberspace operations as the employment of cyberspace
capabilities where the primary purpose is to achieve
objectives in or through cyberspace. The DOD Information
Network (DODIN) is a global infrastructure carrying DOD,
national security, and related intelligence community
information and intelligence.
Cyberspace operations are composed of the military,
intelligence, and ordinary business operations of the DOD
in and through cyberspace. Military cyberspace operations
use cyberspace capabilities to create effects that support
operations across the physical domains and cyberspace.
Cyberspace operations are categorized into the following:
• Offensive Cyberspace Operations, intended to project
power by the application of force in and through
cyberspace. These operations are authorized like
operations in the physical domains.
• Defensive Cyberspace Operations, to defend DOD or
other friendly cyberspace. These are both passive and
active defense operations and are conducted inside and
outside of DODIN.
• DODIN Operations, to design, build, configure, secure,
operate, maintain, and sustain DOD communications
systems and networks across the entire DODIN.
