The Pentagon said on Tuesday defense and deterrence are two highest priorities for bolstering the U.S. cybersecurity capabilities.

The Pentagon's core missions include to defend its own network systems and information, and fend off cyber attacks targeting the United States, said Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work here at a congressional hearing.

"In this regard, U.S. Cyber Command may be directed to conduct cyber operations in coordination with other government agencies ... to deter and defeat strategic threats in other domains," Work said.

In terms of cyber deterrence, Work said the military leadership "recognize that we are not where we need to be in our deterrent posture," adding that the U.S. military was working to convince potential adversary that the costs of conducting an attack outweigh potential benefits.