NSA/CYBERCOM chief: 'We're not going to accept meddling in the elections'

The head of U.S. Cyber Command and the National Security Agency said today his forces have been authorized to conduct cyber operations against a "wide range" of foreign adversaries if they attempt to undermine upcoming elections.

"We will bring the full power of our nation against any foreign power that attempts to interfere with our democratic process," Gen. Paul Nakasone said during a White House press conference.

"I have complete confidence in the forces under my command," he added.

Nakasone declined to discuss specifics in terms of a U.S. response and when asked if he had been authorized to conduct offensive cyber operations, he said: "We're not going to accept meddling in the elections."

Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats, who appeared alongside Nakasone, said Russia remains a key threat after launching a robust cyber campaign to influence U.S. elections in 2016.

"We continue to see a pervasive messaging campaign by Russia to try to weaken and divide the United States," he said.

Coats said President Trump has made election security a top priority.

"We're throwing everything at it," he said.

Coats said Russia's present activities to sow political discord do not appear to be at the same level as those the Kremlin employed in 2016 when "they stepped up their game big time."

However, Coats warned, a massive cyber campaign targeting U.S. elections could be only "a keyboard click away."