Trump approves plan to boost military cyber operations

Carlos Barria | Reuters

U.S. President Donald Trump looks on following a swearing-in ceremony for Defense Secretary James Mattis at the Pentagon in Washington, U.S., January 27, 2017

President Donald Trump elevated the Pentagon’s U.S. Cyber Command on Friday in a move aimed at emphasizing the development of cyber weapons to deter attacks, punish intruders and tackle adversaries.

In a statement, Trump said the unit would now carry the status of Unified Combatant Command focused on cyberspace operations. The defense secretary is also considering separating the U.S. Cyber Command from the National Security Council, he added.