The incoming Trump administration is set to take a stronger stance against cyber threats with new measures targeting hackers, following a massive breach attributed to China.

The new strategy includes not only strengthening defenses but also implementing offensive tactics to deter future attacks, as the Daily Wire reports.

Rep. Mike Waltz, a Republican from Florida, is poised to take on the role of national security adviser in the White House. Over the weekend, he shared insights into the administration's forthcoming cybersecurity plans.

His remarks were made public during an appearance on CBS News' Face the Nation. During his interview, Waltz discussed the administration's approach to what he described as an unprecedented cyberattack against the United States.

The breach, which is being blamed on communist China, has been deemed the largest in the nation’s history. It has brought to the forefront the necessity for both better cyber defenses and the need to engage offensively to prevent further incidents.

Strengthening Cyber Offense Alongside Defense Capacity

Waltz expressed concerns regarding the current cyber defense strategies, highlighting that the U.S. has been primarily focused on improving defenses over the years. He argued that this approach needs to change.

In a call for a shift in strategy, Waltz asserted, "We have been over the years trying to play better and better defense when it comes to cyber." He suggested that a more aggressive approach is warranted.

"We need to start going on offense and start imposing, I think, higher costs and consequences to private actors and nation-state actors," Waltz stated. He emphasized the urgency of this change due to continuous data theft and espionage activities.

Addressing Cyber Threats to Infrastructure

The hack attributed to China did not just involve data theft. According to Waltz, it included serious threats to critical infrastructure, which he described as "cyber time bombs."

He detailed these potential threats to essential systems, including water facilities, energy grids, and ports that could face significant disruptions.

Waltz deemed such threats to be "wholly unacceptable," stressing the need for the U.S. to adopt a "much stronger stance." The severity of these risks requires policymakers to reconsider their strategies to protect national infrastructure.

Reducing Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities

The proposed plans from the Trump administration reflect a broader strategy aimed at changing perspectives on cybersecurity. This strategy includes the imposition of tougher repercussions on those involved in cyberattacks.

Waltz mentioned the need for America to "start changing behaviors on the other side," aiming to reduce the constant escalation between offensive and defensive actions.

The adjustments to the cybersecurity policy signify a notable pivot from purely defensive measures to a more balanced approach that includes proactive deterrence.

Consequences for Hackers and Nation-States

A key aspect of the administration’s strategy involves ensuring that actors engaging in cyber threats face significant penalties. This includes both private hackers and state-sponsored entities.

The intention is to impose deterrents that dissuade these actors from pursuing harmful cyber activities against the U.S. and influencing long-term cyber behaviors.

The commentary by Waltz underscores a determination by the incoming Trump team to address cyber threats more aggressively amid growing concerns over national security and data privacy.

A New Cybersecurity Approach

The plans laid out by Waltz indicate that the administration acknowledges the evolving nature of cyber threats. The dual focus on defense and offense marks a departure from previous strategies that favored one over the other.

As these measures unfold, they are expected to redefine how the U.S. handles cyber threats, potentially affecting international relations and creating new precedents for cybersecurity practices.

Efforts to implement these strategies may lead to significant changes across various sectors, as both private industries and government entities adapt to a more assertive cybersecurity posture.