The US Department of Defence (DoD) reportedly plans to deploy US National Guard’s cyber squadrons to conduct a cyber campaign against ISIS.
US Defense Secretary Ash Carter said: "There is no reason why [ISIL] should be able to use the internet and social media to tyrannise [citizens] on whose territory they now sit."
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"It’s important that we are the first with the most. Not just now, but ten, 20, 30, 40 years from now. And that means we have to leverage the tremendously American innovative technology economy and make sure we’re completely up-to-date and have the very best in our military."
According to Reuters, the cyber squadron will not engage in offensive cyber missions yet, but could incorporate such missions in the future.
Last week, the US Cyber Command at Fort Meade, Maryland, increased efforts to prevent ISIS from using the internet to distribute propaganda to aspiring recruits.
Earlier this year, the US and its seven coalition partners signed an agreement to strengthen the counter-ISIS campaign in Iraq and Syria.
The agreement was signed by the defence ministers of Australia, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and the UK.
Image: US Defense Secretary Ash Carter receives a brief on the capabilities of the National Guard Cyber Unit on Joint base Lewis-McChord, Washington. Photo: courtesy of DoD /Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Tim D. Godbee.
