Glenn Greenwald \u2014 who broke the phone<\/a> and internet<\/a> spying stories this week \u2014 has a new expos\u00c3\u00a9 \u2026 this time on\u00a0offensive cyber-warfare<\/a>:<\/p>\n Barack Obama<\/a> has ordered his senior national security and intelligence officials to draw up a list of potential overseas targets for US cyber-attacks, a top secret presidential directive obtained by the Guardian reveals.<\/p>\n ***<\/p>\n An intelligence source with extensive knowledge of the National Security Agency\u2019s systems told the Guardian \u2026 \u201cWe hack everyone everywhere<\/strong>. We like to make a distinction between us and the others. But we are in almost every country in the world<\/strong>.\u201d<\/p>\n ***<\/p>\n The full classified directive repeatedly emphasizes that all cyber-operations must be conducted in accordance with US law and only as a complement to diplomatic and military options. But it also makes clear how both offensive and defensive cyber operations are central to US strategy.<\/p>\n Under the heading \u201cPolicy Reviews and Preparation\u201d, a section marked \u201cTS\/NF\u201d \u2014 top secret\/no foreign \u2014 states: \u201cThe secretary of defense, the DNI [Director of National Intelligence], and the director of the CIA \u2026 shall prepare for approval by the president through the National Security Advisor a plan that identifies potential systems, processes and infrastructure against which the United States should establish and maintain OCEO capabilities\u2026\u201d The deadline for the plan is six months after the approval of the directive.<\/p>\n The directive provides that any cyber-operations \u201cintended or likely to produce cyber effects within the United States\u201d require the approval of the president, except in the case of an \u201cemergency cyber action\u201d. When such an emergency arises, several departments, including the department of defense, are authorized to conduct such domestic operations without presidential approval.<\/p>\n Obama further authorized the use of offensive cyber attacks in foreign nations without their government\u2019s consent whenever \u201cUS national interests and equities\u201d require such nonconsensual attacks. It expressly reserves the right to use cyber tactics as part of what it calls \u201canticipatory action taken against imminent threats\u201d.<\/p>\n The directive makes multiple references to the use of offensive cyber attacks by the US military.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Greenwald and others have long reported that the Obama administration claims the right to be judge, jury and executioner<\/a> in both drone assassinations and offensive cyber attacks.<\/p>\n Greenwald also reports that the head of the cyber command is the NSA boss \u2026 the same guy<\/em> responsible for much of the spying we\u2019ve been hearing about:<\/p>\n In January, the Pentagon announced a major expansion of its Cyber Command Unit, under the command of General Keith Alexander, who is also the director of the NSA<\/strong>. That unit is responsible for executing both offensive and defensive cyber operations<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n (There are other overlaps and interconnections<\/a> between spying and warfare as well.)<\/p>\n Offensive cyber operations are not only occurring overseas \u2026<\/p>\n The Department of Defense has long waged cyber-war against Americans by\u00a0censoring and manipulating social media<\/a> and other websites. More proof here<\/a> and here<\/a>.<\/p>\n This is not entirely surprising, given that:<\/p>\n\n
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The War Comes Home<\/h3>\n