hunt forward operations (noun) [Word Notes]

Summary

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Hacking Humans: “Hunt Forward Operations (noun) [Word Notes]”

Podcast Host: N2K Networks
Episode Date: July 21, 2026
Main Theme:
The episode breaks down the concept of “Hunt Forward operations” — a key defensive cyber tactic used by U.S. Cyber Command in cooperation with allied nations, delving into its definition, operational significance, and impact on both U.S. and partner national security.

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Episode Overview

In this “Word Notes” installment, Rick Howard (CyberWire) explores “Hunt Forward operations,” unpacking its meaning, practical applications, and strategic benefits. The episode spotlights how these operations fit within the broader cybersecurity landscape, focusing on collaboration between U.S. Cyber Command and allied nations to proactively hunt cyber adversaries and strengthen global cyber defense.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Definition of Hunt Forward Operations

• Timestamp: 01:24
• Speaker: Rick Howard
  • Hunt Forward operations are described as: “Defensive cyber operations carried out by U.S. Cyber Command's Cyber National Mission Force at the request of allied nations.”
  • Example context: Cyber Command's analysts uncovering Russian malware on an allied government’s network.

2. The Mechanics and Purpose of Hunt Forward

• Timestamp: 01:45 – 03:48
• Since its 2018 launch, over 24 Hunt Forward Operations (HFOs) have been conducted.
• These operations are collaborative: U.S. operators work “side by side with partners” to search for vulnerabilities, malware, and adversary presence on host nation networks.
• Critical intelligence is shared with U.S. agencies (FBI, DHS) and private industry.
• Strategic outcome: Bolsters homeland and allied network defense, and exposes adversary tactics before they threaten the United States.

Quote:
“While abroad, CNMF operators sit side by side with partners and hunt for vulnerabilities, malware and adversary presence on the host nation's networks.”
— Rick Howard [02:23]

3. Strategic Context: Defend Forward and Persistent Engagement

• Timestamp: 03:48 – 05:02
• Speaker: U.S. Cyber Command Representative
• “Defend Forward” is the 2018 U.S. DoD strategy of proactively operating beyond U.S. borders in cyberspace, adopting an active rather than passive defense posture.
• “Persistent engagement” means continual, proactive support and action — both enabling partners (with information sharing and tradecraft) and acting directly, either defensively, offensively, or informationally, as authorities allow.

Quote:
“How do we as a force operating outside the United States, be able to be active, as opposed to a passive approach to our adversaries?...Being able to take action when necessary?”
— U.S. Cyber Command Representative [04:06]

• Benefits: Increased cybersecurity, inoculation against threats, and stronger trusted partnerships with nations requesting U.S. assistance.

Quote:
“It provides, first of all, a security for our nation in cyberspace, it provides an inoculation of these threats, and it provides a partnership with a nation that has asked us for assistance.”
— U.S. Cyber Command Representative [04:41]

4. Notable Reference

• The 2022 keynote speech by General Paul Nakasone at the Vanderbilt Summit is cited, emphasizing the value and strategic benefit of Hunt Forward operations in the public record.

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• Rick Howard [01:24]:
  “The word is Hunt Forward operations. Spelled hunt as in to pursue, forward as in ahead, and operations as in organized campaigns.”

• Rick Howard [02:23]:
  “While abroad, CNMF operators sit side by side with partners and hunt for vulnerabilities, malware and adversary presence on the host nation's networks…”

• U.S. Cyber Command Rep [04:06]:
  “We look at the area of being able to contribute in a continuum of action ... this idea that came out in the 2018 Department of Defense strategy Defend Forward ... Being able to share information with our partners, being able to take action when necessary?”

• U.S. Cyber Command Rep [04:41]:
  “It provides, first of all, a security for our nation in cyberspace, it provides an inoculation of these threats, and it provides a partnership with a nation that has asked us for assistance.”

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Timeline of Important Segments

• [01:24] — Introduction and definition of Hunt Forward Operations
• [01:45–03:48] — Operational context and significance of HFOs
• [03:48–05:02] — Strategic philosophy (Defend Forward and Persistent Engagement) explained by U.S. Cyber Command Representative
• [05:02] — Episode credits (end of main content)

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Summary Takeaways

• Hunt Forward Operations are a key, proactive cyber defense tool, enabling U.S. and allies to jointly address cyber threats directly and share actionable intelligence.
• These operations reflect a shift from reactive to proactive, continuous engagement in cyberspace.
• Building strong international partnerships both boosts cyber resilience and helps inoculate against emerging threats before they reach U.S. networks.

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For listeners who missed this episode:
This “Word Notes” edition elegantly distills the Hunt Forward concept, with authoritative explanations and notable real-world results. It illustrates how collaboration, persistent engagement, and early action are reshaping the landscape of global cybersecurity defense.

Transcript

[Podcast Host]

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[Rick Howard]

The word is Hunt Forward operations. Spelled hunt as in to pursue, forward as in ahead, and operations as in organized campaigns. Definition Defensive cyber operations carried out by U.S. cyber Command's Cyber National Mission Force at the request of allied nations. Example Sentence the Hunt Forward operation allowed Cyber Command's analysts to discover Russian malware on the allied government's network. Origin and context. Since 2018, Cyber Command has conducted more than 24 hunt forward operations, or HFOS, in which the host country receives US assistance to help defend its networks, while Cyber Command can gather information on adversary activities and share this intelligence with other US Government agencies and the private sector, Cyber Command said in a press release. While abroad, CNMF operators sit side by side with partners and hunt for vulnerabilities, malware and adversary presence on the host nation's networks, U.S. cybercom shares insights from the age of O with the host nation, other government agencies like the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Homeland Security, as well as private industry. These operations generate return on investment for the public because they bolster homeland and network defense while exposing adversary tactics, techniques and procedures before they can be used against the United States. NERD Reference In 2022, General Paul Nakasone, commander of the U.S. cyber Command, director of the National Security Agency and Chief of the Central Security Service, gave the keynote speech at the Vanderbilt Summit where he talked about the benefit of Hunt Forward operations.

[U.S. Cyber Command Representative]

As we take a look at it from the perspective of U.S. cyber Command and the National Security Agency, we look at the area of being able to contribute in a continuum of action as being one that rests on two different ideas. First of all, this idea that came out in the 2018 Department of Defense strategy Defend Forward. How do we as a force operating outside the United States, be able to be an active, as opposed to a passive approach to our adversaries? Being able to identify malicious behavior, being able to share information with our partners, being able to take action when necessary? The other piece that I would tell you is also this idea of persistent engagement at U.S. cyber Command. What is persistent engagement? The idea that we're both going to enable and act enable our partners with information sharing of tradecraft and act when authorized, defensively, offensively, informationally. What does that do? It provides, first of all, a security for our nation in cyberspace, it provides an inoculation of these threats, and it provides a partnership with a nation that has asked us for assistance.

[Rick Howard]

Wordnotes is written by Tim Nodar, executive produced by Peter Kilpe and edited by John Petrick and me, Rick Howard. The mix, sound design and original music have all been crafted by the ridiculously talented Elliot Peltzman. Thanks for listening.

[Event Promoter]

Heading to this year's Black Hat USA, the N2K CyberWire team will be on site recording from our podcast studio in the Spectrops Kennel Club. If you're interested in joining us for a conversation or learning more about what we're recording throughout the week, visit sponsor.thecyberwire.com for more information. And make sure you stop by the studio and meet the N2K CyberWire team. We'll see you there.