BRUSSELS — NATO must improve its ability to defend itself against cyberattacks before it tries to build its offensive cyberwarfare capabilities, Defense Secretary Ash Carter told alliance leaders Wednesday amid rising tensions with Russia, which has proven its willingness to launch computer-based attacks against other nations.
Carter’s message runs counter to some experts and leaders who believe NATO should begin to develop cyberweapons, in order to deter opponents in the 21st century.
Senior defense officials said cybersecurity was one theme of Carter’s remarks to the allies and to defense ministers he’s met with in recent days. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.
