In a recent appearance on Face The Nation, Congressman Michael Waltz, appointed by the US National Security Council, highlighted the urgent need for a more robust cybersecurity strategy. Waltz addressed the recent hacking of eight American telecommunication companies, allegedly by China, which compromised the metadata of millions of citizens and exposed vulnerabilities in the country’s infrastructure.
Senator Marco Rubio deemed this cyberattack as a “dangerous and unforeseen threat”, with Waltz advocating for a shift from defensive approaches to more offensive measures. He pointed out that Chinese hackers not only steal data but also plant “cyberbombs” in critical systems such as water supply, energy, and ports.
Waltz revealed that the Trump administration intends to overhaul its cyber policies, emphasizing the need for punitive actions against individuals and state entities responsible for cyberattacks. He stressed the importance of enhancing collaboration between the government and private sector to leverage advanced technologies for better defense against cyber threats.
Additionally, Waltz highlighted the necessity of revising the cybersecurity doctrine to prevent future incidents. He affirmed President Trump’s support for imposing strict sanctions on China in response to such hostile actions, underscoring the importance of not only defending against cyber threats but also deterring adversaries through decisive measures.