Despite its official activation in May, Cyber Command still lacks a clear picture on its national role in defending networks, said its first commander, Gen. Keith Alexander, who is also head of the National Security Agency.

In testimony Sept. 23 before the House Armed Services Committee, Alexander said the White House is working to define cybersecurity roles.

"Right now the White House is leading a discussion on, what are the authorities needed, and how will we do this," he said. The command is set to reach full operational readiness in October.

Alexander said CYBERCOM is transitioning to a more "active" role in monitoring and defense and described a wide spectrum of threats from both individuals and nation states. But, CYBERCOM will definitely not be responsible for defending the entire nation, Alexander said. Rather, it will defend Defense Department networks unless the secretary of defense or the president asks it to move beyond that authority. "Then we'd have to put in place the capabilities to do that," he added.

Alexander also told the committee he'll need continued access to funding. As the command grows, it'll need more resources, he said.

While the parameters around what CYBERCOM may or may not be able to do are still developing, Alexander said the unified structure of the command is clearly efficient. He noted that in a traditional military invasion, the defensive team wouldn't be pulled from a conflict to bring in an offensive team.

"That is key to the success here. We need that to operate as one team," said Alexander. "The offense and defense cannot be different here, because these operations will occur in real time and I think we have to be prepared to do that. It's not time to say, 'this is your mission; you're on your own.'"

For more:
- watch the testimony video (Windows media file)
- read General Alexander's prepared testimony (.pdf)

Related Articles:
Panel urges DoD role in domestic network cybersecurity
Cyberspace requires improved acquisition, information sharing
Video: Gen. Keith Alexander speaks at CSIS on June 3
DoD could defend critical private sector infrastructure from cyber attack
Lynn: Cyberspace same as land, sea, air and space