Last week, the US Secretary of Defense ordered the planning of any cyber operations against Russia to cease.

This was reported by the specialized publication The Record.

Last week, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ordered the US Cyber Command to stop any planning against Russia, including offensive cyber operations. This was reported by three people familiar with the matter.

According to these people, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation, Hegseth gave the order to the head of the Cyber Command, General Timothy Howe, who, in turn, informed the organization’s director of operations, Marine Major General Ryan Heritage, of the new instructions.

However, this order does not apply to the National Security Agency, which is also headed by Howe, nor to intelligence activities directed against Russia, the sources said.

The exact duration of Hegseth’s order is unknown, although, according to the sources, the command has been informed that it would remain in effect “for the foreseeable future.”

The sources said that the Cyber Command had already begun preparing a “risk assessment” for Hegseth, a report confirming receipt of the order and containing a list of suspended activities and missions, as well as a detailed analysis of potential threats from Russia.

Hegseth’s decision comes at a time when the Cyber Command is trying to staff up to combat Mexican drug cartels, eight of which have been officially designated as terrorist groups by the administration.

In addition to internal challenges, the order could disrupt some of the Cyber Command’s missions, particularly in Ukraine, where U.S. cyber experts have been providing assistance, including conducting cyber operations on its behalf since the Russian invasion in 2022.

According to the publication, in addition to attacks on Ukraine, Russia is also one of the main centers of cybercrime. In particular, hacker groups linked to the state and crime attack targets around the world from there. Until now, the U.S. Cyber Command has played a key role in countering these malicious activities.

In addition, the cease-and-desist order could increase risks to private sector businesses in the United States and around the world. As the command will no longer deter Russian intelligence services using notorious hacker groups.

As a reminder, on Thursday, December 19, 2024, a powerful Russian cyberattack was launched against Ukraine. It was directed against the Unified and State Registries, which are under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine. It led to prolonged disruptions in the operation of numerous services.