Sign up for a new account or log in here:
also @ TechSpot: Yahoo redesigns Flickr, adds 1 terabyte of free storage and more
The US this week revealed its "International Strategy for Cyberspace" with the subtitle of "Prosperity, Security, and Openness in a Networked World" (via Ars Technica). The 30-page PDF document praises cyberspace and generally says nothing too exciting. It does, however, mention how the US government could respond to cyber-attacks, especially if someone were to pull off a serious cyberspace hack against the US, its allies, its partners, or in a way to threaten its interests.
In fact, the document says that military force is now an option. It's thus possible that the US will one day start a war in response to corporate or governmental computer systems being breached. If that sounds scary to you, that's because it is, especially if a hack isn't attributed to the correct party. Here's a relevant excerpt:
When warranted, the United States will respond to hostile acts in cyberspace as we would to any other threat to our country. All states possess an inherent right to self-defense, and we recognize that certain hostile acts conducted through cyberspace could compel actions under the commitments we have with our military treaty partners.
That being said, this is a last resort, and other policies will be attempted before such an attack is even considered. These alternative means include diplomatic, informational, and economic. The US makes three more related declarations: it will exhaust all options before military force whenever it can, it will carefully weigh the costs and risks of action against the costs of inaction, and it will act in a way that reflects its values and strengthens the country's legitimacy, seeking broad international support whenever possible.
It's also worth noting that the US is focusing on dissuading hackers from their motives. In other words, the cyberspace security strategy is more based on defense rather than offense. That's great to hear, because in this case we don't think the best defense is a good offense.
User Comments: 32
Got something to say? Post a comment-
I am sure the US government will hack as well. There are ways to trace these things as well as my message. I expect a call shortly.
-
I am sure the US government will hack as well. There are ways to trace these things as well as my message. I expect a call shortly.Well, I wouldn't sit and wait by the phone. I seriously doubt you're as important as you think you are.
-
Backtracing.
-
Bullies.
-
hello ...
it has B.E.G.U.N !!!! ....
i said so, now let's see others join then laws be modified & ISPs giving a helping hand ....
there is no anonymity on the net ! & i know what i mean ...
cheers!
-
The original document seems near pointless to me and this article is just trying to grab attention with a catchy/controversial title...typical politics and media...
Title of article- US: if you hack us, we may use military action
Reality- US: .."insert anything", we may use military action ...gotta love this country..
-
Another way to put it is: if we launch an attack on ourselves we blame a country such as Pakistan or Iran and go bomb them. Anything is possible to advance the Anglo-American world empire.
Most Popular
| Trending | Featured |
Featured on PC Games
Subscribe to TechSpot
Get free exclusive content, learn about new features and breaking tech news.