US Cyberattacks Can Expose Islamic State Communications

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Defense Secretary Ash Carter says that U.S. cyberattacks to disrupt the Islamic State's communications and overload their networks could force the militant group to use older technologies that are easier for the U.S. to intercept.

Carter and Gen. Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, are providing more details on how the U.S. is using computer-based attacks as part of the military operations against the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq.

U.S. officials told The Associated Press last week that the military had launched a far more aggressive cyber campaign against the group. The aid includes efforts by U.S. Cyber Command at Fort Meade, Maryland, to prevent the group from using the Internet and social media to communicate and distribute propaganda aimed at attracting and inspiring recruits.

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