In a recent development, US Cyber Command (CYBERCOM) has disclosed the completion of a “defensive hunt operation” carried out by its military cyberwarfare team in Lithuania, a Baltic NATO state. This operation comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions surrounding Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine, as per a report from Newsweek.
This marks the second such deployment of US cyber forces to Lithuania since May of the previous year, just months after the commencement of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The mission was executed under the leadership of operators affiliated with the Cyber National Mission Force (CNMF), working in tandem with counterparts from the Lithuanian Interior Ministry’s Information Technology and Communications Department.
Uncovering malicious cyber activities was the primary aim
While specific details of the operation remain classified, CYBERCOM stated that the teams involved conducted an extensive analysis of key networks prioritized by their Lithuanian partners. Their primary objectives were to uncover evidence of malicious cyber activities and pinpoint vulnerabilities within these networks.
A CNMF spokesperson reportedly refrained from divulging the precise tactics, techniques, and procedures used during the operation but emphasised the unit’s core mission, which is to defend the United States in the realm of cyberspace. This includes thwarting, disrupting, or increasing the costs for adversaries attempting to interfere in democratic processes, steal intellectual property, or target critical infrastructure.
When do US cyber forces engage in a ‘hunt?
The spokesperson reportedly explained that “Defend Forward Operations” like this one are undertaken because adversaries frequently conduct cyber operations against neighboring countries. In such cases, if the affected nations request assistance, US cyber forces are prepared to support and engage in “hunt” operations to detect and neutralize cyber threats.
Furthermore, the collaboration between US and Lithuanian cyber teams reflects a broader international effort to enhance network security and resilience. By sharing information about cyber threats and collaborating on defensive strategies, these partnerships aim to bolster the security of critical networks upon which the U.S. and its allies depend.
CNMF has conducted ‘hunts’ in 23 countries
The Cyber National Mission Force, established in 2014, is a key component of CYBERCOM’s three-fold cyber forces, which also include the Cyber Combat Mission Force and the Cyber Protection Force. According to CYBERCOM, the CNMF has been deployed 50 times and has conducted hunt operations on more than 75 networks across over 23 countries. This operation signifies the growing importance of cybersecurity and international cooperation in an increasingly interconnected world where cyber threats continue to evolve.
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