Thursday, September 20, 2012

U.S. Official: Cyberattacks Can Trigger Self-Defense Rule And The Use Of Military Force

The Air Force Space Command Network Operations and Security Centre in Colorado. Photograph: Rick Wilking/Reuters

U.S. Official Says Cyberattacks Can Trigger Self-Defense Rule -- Ellen Nakashima, Washington Post

Cyberattacks can amount to armed attacks triggering the right of self-defense and are subject to international laws of war, the State Department’s top lawyer said Tuesday.

Spelling out the U.S. government’s position on the rules governing cyberwarfare, Harold Koh, the department’s legal adviser, said a cyber-operation that results in death, injury or significant destruction would probably be seen as a use of force in violation of international law.

Read more ....

My Comment:
It is interesting that this aggressive cyber-military policy is being advocated by the US at the same time that cyber attacks against Iran's nuclear program are escalating, as well reports that Iran is already retaliating against specific U.S. targets.

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