Intelligence Director Coats highlights ‘psychological’ impact of cyber attacks

Director of National Intelligence Daniel Coats emphasized the “psychological” effects of cyber breaches, underscoring to the Senate Armed Services Committee the sophistication of Russian tactics to conduct influence campaigns through cyber espionage and attacks.

Coats – who testified before the Senate panel Tuesday – said in his written testimony said these cyber tactics can be employed against “technically secure” platforms.

“The impact of cyber threats extends beyond the physical and commercial realms,” Coats said. “Online threats—both states and non-state...