Feds Gear Up To Fight Cyberwar

More powers and lots more "troops"

According to The Times, Alexander dismissed the idea that the increased attacks were related to a computer worm known as Stuxnet, which targeted Iran's uranium enrichment plant at Natanz.  But he did call for legislation to give the government new powers to defend computer networks against hackers and terrorists.

Today, some of Alexander's wishes have been met.  The Washington Post reported on Sunday that the Pentagon approved a five-fold expansion of its cybersecurity force over the next several years – from 900 to 4,900 troops and civilians.

How will this army be recruited?  If they hire hackers, who have the knowledge and speed to break into systems, are they risking more than they might get in protective services?  Will corporate secrets be exposed either by design or default as the NSA team digs in to save business or financial data from a malicious attack?