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Trump Administration Plans Tougher Measures Against Cyber Attacks, Adviser Says

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By Temitope Akinloye - - 5 Mins Read
Mike Waltz
Mike Waltz will serve as Trump's NSA | Shutterstock

The incoming Trump administration is preparing to tackle cyber threats with a more aggressive approach, signaling a shift in U.S. cybersecurity policy.

According to Mike Waltz, Trump’s pick for National Security Adviser, the administration aims to impose harsher penalties on perpetrators of cyberattacks, whether they are private individuals or foreign adversaries.

This strategy is emerging amidst rising cyber espionage activities, including a recent large-scale Chinese operation, dubbed Salt Typhoon, which reportedly targeted U.S. telecommunications firms and senior officials.

The Threat of Salt Typhoon

One of the driving forces behind the Trump administration’s cybersecurity measures in 2024 is the alarming case of the Salt Typhoon. This Salt Typhoon cyber espionage campaign, allegedly linked to China, has compromised sensitive U.S. infrastructure and stolen critical metadata, including communications of senior political figures.

The White House confirmed that at least eight major telecommunications and infrastructure firms were affected. Furthermore, it was revealed that a substantial quantity of personal data, including details regarding numerous Americans, was pilfered in the course of this massive assault.

Chinese officials have denied the accusations, dismissing them as disinformation. A Chinese spokesperson stated, “China firmly opposes and combats cyberattacks and cyber theft in all forms,” but the U.S. remains steadfast in its allegations.

Trump Cyber Attack Strategy

In an interview with CBS News, Waltz emphasized the need to move beyond defensive measures, advocating for a more proactive approach to cyber threats. He explained, “We need to start going on offense and start imposing higher costs and consequences on private actors and nation-state actors that continue to steal our data and spy on us.”

Waltz highlighted the alarming trend of cyberattacks targeting U.S. critical infrastructure, including power grids, water systems, and ports. He described these actions as “cyber time bombs” capable of causing catastrophic disruptions.

The administration plans to deter such threats by employing offensive cyber tactics, imposing severe economic sanctions, and strengthening partnerships with private tech firms. “We’ve got a tremendous private sector with a lot of capability,” Waltz added, emphasizing the role of collaboration between government and industry in securing national assets.

New US Cyber Defense Policies and Implications

The Trump administration’s cybersecurity measures for 2024 are expected to include:

  • Harsher penalties for cybercriminals, including economic sanctions on entities involved in cyberattacks.
  • Retaliatory actions against foreign adversaries, particularly those engaging in cyber espionage or sabotage.
  • Increased collaboration with private-sector technology companies to leverage advanced cybersecurity tools and strategies.
  • Enhanced infrastructure defenses to protect against potential disruptions to critical systems.

The recent sanctions are imposed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). It is targeted at a China-based cybersecurity firm involved in the 2020 breach of over 81,000 firewalls worldwide.

Final Thoughts

The Trump administration’s tougher cybersecurity policies aim to protect not only government networks but also private industries and public services that are increasingly at risk. By addressing threats like Salt Typhoon head-on, the U.S. hopes to set a precedent for deterring future attacks.

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