From Andrei Lvov, Russia Beyond the Headlines:  Experts say cyber viruses are no longer a threat only to home networks, but are increasingly being used as dangerous weapons aimed at state networks. In this context, the Russian Ministry of Defense has decided to create a specialized network command to protect the information structures of the Russian state.

According to media reports, Russia’s Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu recently gave the General Staff several months to complete proposals for the creation of an army “cyber command.”

With reference to its sources in the Russian General Staff, Izvestia reported that, if the proposal is presented on time, a basic-level cyber command will appear by the end of the year.

“But, in any case, this won’t be some enormous bureaucratic military office with a bunch of rights and no liabilities,” Izvestia quoted its source as saying.

Russian President Vladimir Putin previously ordered the Federal Security Service to protect the information structures of Russian state authorities against possible network attacks.  (photo: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty)

Image: rferl%202%2028%2013%20Sergei%20Shoigu.jpg