The Pentagon aims to create an elite modern cyber security team and triple the current staffing to defend the U.S. against increasing online attacks threatening national security.

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said he aims to hire on at least 4,000 cyber security specialists by 2016. The current workforce will number just under 2,000 this year. The defense agency is actively recruiting outside the federal government ranks as well as enticing returning military professionals to move into the field.

"This force is enhancing our ability to deter aggression in cyberspace, deny adversaries their objectives, and defend the nation from cyber attacks that threaten our national security," Hagel stated at an event marking the retirement of Gen. Keith Alexander who is leaving his role as the chief of the U.S. Cyber Command and National Security Agency.

The news comes as federal agencies remain under strong scrutiny by lawmakers and consumers given data collection and Internet surveillance activities by the National Security Agency as revealed by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden. The continuing revelations regarding NSA's activities have caused international protests as well. Hagel traveled to China last month to specifically discuss reported cyber spying by NSA.

In his remarks at the retirement event Hagel noted the U.S. requires increased protection against malware and attacks aimed at disrupting both private and public networks, as well as industrial control systems.

"Our nation's reliance on cyberspace outpaces our cybersecurity," Hagel said. He also indicated the agency would be reaching out to businesses and private enterprises for help and insight on shoring up cyber defenses. Hagel is also hopeful that new legislation providing companies liability protection will foster greater data sharing between government and public companies and lead to stronger cyber security efforts on the federal level.

The legislation proposed is part of a five-point plan devised by Alexander for boosting U.S. cyber defenses. The strategy also including shifting government networks to a cloud platform and hiring on more cyber security personnel.

According to published reports Vice Adm. Mike Rogers, who now leads the Navy's Cyber Command, is awaiting Senate confirmation for a fourth star which would allow the White House to name him as Alexander's successor.

Until the official appointment is made the Cyber Command and NSA's current deputies, Lt. Gen. John Davis and Richard Ledgett, respectively, will take the helm.