U.S. aligns military, civilian cyber defense
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The U.S. government on Wednesday announced it is aligning cyber defense of critical military and civilian computer systems and networks, in an effort to enhance the country's capability against cyber threats.
Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano have signed a memorandum of agreement to that effect, the two announced in a joint statement.
The agreement embeds Pentagon cyber analysts within Homeland Security Department to "better support the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center (NCCIC)." It also sends a full-time senior Homeland Security leader to Pentagon's National Security Agency.
The effort is aimed at "building a new framework between our departments to enhance operational coordination and joint program planning." It formalizes processes in which personnel from the two departments work together on cyber networks and critical infrastructure protection, and "increases the clarity and focus of our respective roles and responsibilities," said the statement.
"The agreement will ensure both agencies' priorities and requests for support are clearly communicated and met," said the statement.
The United States has been claiming its computer networks were targeted by attacks. The statement said threats were posed by "a wide range of state and non-state actors that do not adhere to physical borders."
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