Institute's Amb. Smith Cautions View of Russia's Intent and Actions Regarding Cyber Capabilities

Cyber operations are integrated into Russia’s military doctrine, and that country is using cyber tools and strategic espionage.  Russia’s capabilities and intent are readily apparent, but it never gets caught – which makes it as big of a cyber threat as countries like China, according to Potomac Institute Cyber Center Director Amb. David Smith (Ret.).

Smith’s article, “Russian Cyber Capabilities, Policy and Practice,” is featured in the Winter 2014 inFocus Quarterly, distributed by the Jewish Policy Center.  It can be read here.

Two attributes of Russia – it’s systemic corruption and it’s broad concept of information warfare – result in a booming cyber-criminal industry, Smith explained.  Russia’s concept of information security has three objectives, the first which is shared by almost every country:  protect strategically important information, protect against harmful foreign information, and instill patriotism in its people.

While it is wise to watch for Moscow’s cyber behavior with the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, it is important to note that Russia still refuses to join any international approach to cyber security challenges.

Whether or not Russia "gets caught" in its cyber activities, the U.S. must realize Russia’s capabilities and intent are a major cyber challenge.

Smith is also a Potomac Institute Senior Fellow and Director of the Georgian Security Analysis Center in Tbilisi.