On Tuesday, the New York Times reported citing officials that US Cyber Command (CYBERCOM) for the first time launched an overseas operation to counter Russian hackers many of which they have identified. The report also underscored that US officials believe Russia continues to spread false information to influence American voters.
On November 6, in less than two weeks, Americans go to the polls in midterm elections to vote for candidates running for the US House of Representatives, one third of the Senate, and other local positions.
Kwiatkowski said the report was a "political play" that would likely be used by Democratic candidates challenging Trump supporters in the midterms.
The former pentagon analyst also warned that the report could have a chilling effect upon media and free exchanges of opinions for fear of running into the cyber arm of the US military.
In addition, Kwiatkowski said, the cyber division of the US military wants to ensure its share of the enormous Pentagon budget.
"Now that trillions of dollars have been forecasted for the new US Space Command and for the nuclear restoration and modernization programs, as well as all existing commands and services, US Cyber Command wants to ensure it is seen as relevant by the public," Kwiatkowski explained.
Kwiatkowski pointed out that the New York Times article did not remind its readers that US Cyber Command was essentially the National Security Agency (NSA) with a domestic collection function.
Moscow has repeatedly denied all allegations of election meddling as groundless fabrications designed to demonize Russia and serve US domestic political agendas.
