Pentagon Cyber Command Develops Framework to Defend Critical Infrastructure

The Pentagon’s Defense Cyber Defense Command is developing a joint task force and command-and-control framework to coordinate defense of critical infrastructure against cyberattacks. The effort focuses on clarifying roles among federal, civil, and defense organizations before, during, and after incidents.

Officials said the goal is to establish clear lines of authority similar to those used during natural disasters or terrorist attacks.

The command is also creating “digital green zones” to identify what systems and data must be secured. These zones are modeled on physical secure areas used in prior overseas operations. Personnel from multiple services and critical infrastructure operators recently trained together during Cyber Yankee 2026 at Camp Nett in Niantic, Connecticut.

The exercise practiced coordinated responses to simulated attacks.

Defense of critical infrastructure has grown in priority because power, water, and other systems support both civilian life and military installations. Officials have noted that some foreign actors have shifted from espionage to positioning for potential disruption of these networks.

The new framework aims to apply existing Northern Command authorities alongside Cyber Command authorities without creating new structures. Officials said the plan would use sector-based organization similar to FEMA regions. " — Col. Adolph Rodriguez, director of Defense Critical Infrastructure at the DCDC, May 2026 (Breaking Defense) The Defense Cyber Defense Command was elevated to a sub-unified command under U.S. Cyber Command in May 2025.

Work on the framework is ongoing.