US amps up Cyber Command to combat cyberspace threats

United States President Donald Trump amped up country's Cyber Command by directing to elevate it to the status of a Unified Combatant Command, which will strengthen country's cyberspace operations and create more opportunities to improve nation's defense.

Emphasizing the enhanced resolve against cyberspace threats, Trump, in a White House Statement stated, "Through United States Cyber Command, we will tackle our cyberspace challenges in coordination with like-minded allies and partners as we strive to respond rapidly to evolving cyberspace security threats and opportunities globally."

United States Cyber Command's elevation will also help streamline command and control of time-sensitive cyberspace operations by consolidating them under a single commander with authorities commensurate with the importance of such operations. Elevation will also ensure that critical cyberspace operations are adequately funded.

Cyber Command has played a pivotal role in the military's stepped-up digital campaign against the Islamic State, which has aimed to block the terrorist group's digital payments systems and to infiltrate communications channels.