Could the United States launch a sweeping cyberattack against Russia today or tonight?
According to a new report, the answer is yes.
The U.S. has a cyberattack plan ready to retaliate against Russia if the country tries to hack the 2018 midterm elections or its results.
The Pulitzer-winning Center for Public Integrity has details on ground work which has already taken place:
In preparation for its potential use, U.S. military hackers have been given the go-ahead to gain access to Russian cyber systems that they feel is needed to let the plan unfold quickly, the officials said.
The effort constitutes one of the first major cyber battle plans organized under a new government policy enabling potential offensive operations to proceed more quickly once the parameters have been worked out in advance and agreed among key agencies.
You can see the CPI's report here. And you might also be interested to read the SecureWorld story that is still ringing in our ears after seeing the Secretary of Homeland Security speak: 5 Changes to U.S. Cyber Policy and a Warning to Digital Foes.