WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The United States is facing increasing threats from rapidly expanding criminal and terrorist cyber networks, Defense Secretary Ashton Carter told the Air Force Association’s Annual Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition on Wednesday.
"Criminal and terrorist networks are increasing their cyber operations," Carter said. "Low cost and global proliferation of malware have lowered barriers to entry, and made it easier for smaller malicious actors to strike in cyber space."
"And just as DOD [US Department of Defense] and government investment played an historic role in helping spur ground up technology innovation in the past, from the internet to GPS to Apple’s Siri, today we need to invest in new technology, new partnerships and new innovation for this new environment," Carter explained.
The Defense Secretary recommended the US Air Force invest in funding for cyber capabilities as well as nuclear deterrence forces and counter space capabilities.
"I believe these remain the right areas of focus for the Air Force program in PB17," Carter noted.
On Thursday, Carter and Secretary of State John Kerry will meet with the US National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) to discuss an integrated strategy to fight the Islamic State.
