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The U.S. Department of Defense defines cyberspace as a global domain made up of interdependent information-technology networks and the data in them—not just the public Internet. The wording appears in the glossary of Joint Publication 3-12, which attributes the definition to the DoD Dictionary.
What is the DoD definition of cyberspace?
Joint Publication 3-12 defines cyberspace as:
“A global domain within the information environment consisting of the interdependent networks of information technology infrastructures and resident data, including the Internet, telecommunications networks, computer systems, and embedded processors and controllers.”
The glossary in Joint Publication 3-12: Cyberspace Operations attributes this definition to the DoD Dictionary.
What the definition includes
- A global domain: Cyberspace is described as an operational domain within the broader information environment.
- Infrastructure and data: It includes interdependent networks of information-technology infrastructure and the data resident in that infrastructure.
- More than the Internet: The named examples also include telecommunications networks, computer systems, and embedded processors and controllers.
How DoD’s workforce framework differs
The DoD Cyber Workforce Framework (DCWF) is not a general definition of cyberspace. It is a standardized lexicon of cyber work roles that DoD uses to classify work and code positions. The DoD Cyber Workforce Framework page and the DoD 8140 FAQ describe that workforce purpose.
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For the term “cyberspace,” DoD Instruction 8140.02 directs readers to DoDD 8140.01 and the DoD Dictionary. See the DoD Instruction 8140.02.
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