The moves are meant to complicate possible election interference originating in countries like Russia. The goal is to be "in constant contact with the enemy," one general said.

“The threat and the challenge is persistent. The Chinese remain very aggressive in their use of cyber,” Assistant Secretary of Defense Randall G. Schriver said during a press briefing on a new report.

The drill has grown way beyond its humble beginnings to include over 800 people from the Guard, private sector, and law enforcement.

DHS is trying to replicate a plan used by the Department of Defense to protect and defend its network.

“We have to impose costs in a visible way to start deterrence,” the NSA's Rob Joyce told an industry association.

U.S. officials have long touted their “whole-of-government approach” to cyberthreats, and a new memo advances that cause.