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What Does the DoD Cyberspace Definition Include Beyond the Internet?

The DoD’s official cyberspace definition includes interdependent IT infrastructure and resident data across the Internet, telecom networks, computers, and embedded systems.
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The U.S. Department of Defense defines cyberspace as a global domain within the information environment that includes interconnected information-technology infrastructure and the data within it. The definition covers more than the public Internet: it also names telecommunications networks, computer systems, and embedded processors and controllers.

What is the DoD definition of cyberspace?

Joint Publication 3-12, Cyberspace Operations, gives this definition in its glossary and attributes it to the DoD Dictionary:

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“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.”

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Read Joint Publication 3-12.

What does the definition include?

  • A domain within the information environment: The definition treats cyberspace as an operational domain, not simply as a synonym for the web.
  • Infrastructure and data: It includes interdependent networks of information-technology infrastructure as well as the data resident in that infrastructure.
  • Connected and embedded systems: Its examples include the Internet and telecommunications networks, but also computer systems and embedded processors and controllers.

In practical terms, limiting the term to websites or public Internet access leaves out systems and data the DoD definition explicitly includes.

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How does this differ from the DoD Cyber Workforce Framework?

The definition of cyberspace is a doctrinal term. The DoD Cyber Workforce Framework (DCWF) has a different purpose: DoD describes it as a standardized lexicon of cyber work roles used to code positions. It classifies work performed by personnel; it is not the general definition of cyberspace.

DoD Instruction 8140.02 directs readers to DoD Directive 8140.01 and the DoD Dictionary for the meaning of “cyberspace.” See DoD Instruction 8140.02.

For role and position information, consult the DoD Cyber Workforce Framework overview or the DoD 8140 FAQ. The Cyber Exchange overview says workforce content is migrating to a new authoritative DoD workforce site and that the page is scheduled to sunset on December 31, 2026; check the live destination when using it.

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