A Bird’s Eye View of Cybersecurity

In recent years, cyber attacks have increased at an alarming rate, posing a serious threat not only to our national security, but also to our local and state governments and our economy. America’s readiness and strategy in cybersecurity to defend against cyberattacks from nation-state adversaries are crucial.

We’re not just dealing with hackers in basements anymore. The threats are coming from major players like China, involved in intellectual property theft and espionage; terrorist organizations recruiting through social media; and Russia, aiming to steal information from Americans and launch cyberattacks on our homeland.

Cybersecurity is not just an ancillary concern but a core component of our national defense strategy. Our adversaries are targeting everything from our energy grid and agriculture industry to schools, hospitals, and banks to gain an edge over America.

From my experience in standing up the Department of Energy’s Artificial Intelligence and Technology Office, I’ve seen firsthand how cybersecurity challenges are evolving and becoming more serious. We’re in a race against China and Russia to lead in this space. To counter these rising threats and bolster our cybersecurity, we need a strong partnership between the public and private sectors, with industry leading the way and government supporting, not stifling, innovation.

As the only House member on the cybersecurity subcommittees of both the House Armed Services Committee and the Committee on Homeland Security, I know well the urgency of enhancing cybersecurity to strengthen our national security. In the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), I included a provision to enhance cybersecurity capacity at the Department of Defense (DoD) by reallocating responsibilities, setting requirements, and increasing preparedness across the Armed Forces. Last month, we made more critical progress in cybersecurity with the FY25 NDAA. The House’s version includes my provision to have the DoD work with the National Academy of Sciences on an independent evaluation of establishing a separate, uniformed Cyber Force.

The escalating frequency and sophistication of cyber attacks demands a robust and dynamic response from both our government and private sector. As our adversaries are, we must be relentless in our efforts to defend against these threats. By fostering innovation, enhancing collaboration between public and private entities, and continuously adapting our strategies, we can safeguard our national security from ever-evolving cyber threats.

Ultimately, our success in securing cyberspace will determine the resilience and security of our nation in the years to come.

With continued bipartisan support for initiatives like those in the FY24 and FY25 NDAA, we are laying the groundwork for a more secure future. As we face these challenges head-on, we must ensure that America remains at the forefront of technological advancement, ready to meet any cyber adversary with unmatched capability and resolve.

Morgan Luttrell built a life centered around service. A 5th generation Texan raised on a horse ranch, at an early age Morgan learned the importance of hard work, discipline, and personal responsibility. He turned his strong values, deep love for America, and passion for helping others into a career of distinguished service.