The Pentagon is planning to more than triple its cyber security staff in the next few years, Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel has said.
Hagel said that the move would be taken to defend against computer-based attacks.
Hagel made the comments on Friday at the National Security Agency headquarters, as he prepares to visit China next week, where officials are likely to challenge him amid reports of aggressive US cyber spying, news24 reports.
According to the report, the Pentagon has been recruiting outside talent for cybersecurity jobs.
The Pentagon will have some 1 800 professionals by year's end.
