Defending Forward in Cyberspace and the Case for Transparency

Defending forward in cyberspace must be not only a DoD responsibility, but the responsibility of citizens with US Government support. Truer security can be achieved by addressing the distinctly human elements of the cyber dilemma than by viewing it as solely a military and technical problem. Cyber conflict has not changed the nature of conflict, nor has it changed the nature of the human beings who carry it out. Pursuing the adversary through cyberspace may be a necessary aspect of defending forward, but the larger part of the solution lies in shaping the human element. The USG can encourage mechanisms of discourse, transparency, and public understanding on cyber issues. This will encourage the growth of norms and stigmas, which will help to shape and limit the growth of cyber conflict. One approach is the creation of a government-supported private sector council with a mission to declassify and share cyber-related information with the citizenry. Cyber conflict at its core is a human enterprise more than a technological challenge. When defending forward more fully reflects this truth, it will be a boon to both cybersecurity and the greater national security enterprise.