Lawmakers discuss reported temporary pause in US offensive cyber operations against Russia

US lawmakers discussed a reported one-day pause in offensive cyber operations against Russia, with differing accounts from officials and no confirmation from the Department of Defence.
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During a recent House Armed Services cyber subcommittee hearing, Chair Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) stated that the U.S. Department of Defense briefly paused offensive cyber operations against Russia following a directive from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in late February. Bacon noted that the pause lasted one day and described it as consistent with broader policy aims.

Rep. Eugene Vindman (D-Va.) referenced an anonymous DOD rapid response account statement that disputed the claim, calling it ‘at least misleading.’ Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for Cyber Policy Laurie Buckhout did not confirm or deny the reports but stated that multiple elements are involved in cyber operations targeting Russia.

The hearing also included bipartisan concerns regarding the recent dismissal of National Security Agency and US Cyber Command Director Timothy Haugh, particularly in light of cyber threats facing US critical infrastructure.

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