Defence, deterrence US cybersecurity priorities: Pentagon

Defence and deterrence are two highest priorities for bolstering the US cybersecurity capabilities, the Pentagon has said.

The Pentagon's core missions include defending its own network systems and information, and fending off cyber attacks targeting the US, Xinhua quoted Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work as saying.

"In this regard, US Cyber Command may be directed to conduct cyber operations in coordination with other government agencies... to deter and defeat strategic threats in other domains," Work said.

In terms of cyber deterrence, Work said the military leadership "recognise that we are not where we need to be in our deterrent posture", adding that the US military was working to convince potential adversary that the costs of conducting an attack outweigh potential benefits.