Ethical concepts that guide cybersecurity decisions Flashcards
What is the Untied States standpoint on counterattacks?
It is illegal by law to counterattack because of laws like computer fraud and abuse act of 1986 and the cybersecurity information sharing act of 2015, among others. If someone counterattacks it will be seen as an act of vigilantism.
Why is it illegal to counterattack threat actors in the US?
Threat actors may deem it okay to further escalate the attack and cause more damage/harm. On the other hand it may be state-sponsored hacktivist which would then lead to serious international implications.
Vigilante meaning
A person who is not a member of the law enforcement who decides to stop a crime on their own.
Hacktivist meaning
A person who uses hacking to achieve a political goal
What is the international standpoint on counterattacks?
The International Court of Justice (ICJ), which updates its guidance regularly, states that a person or group can counterattack if:
The counterattack will only affect the party that attacked first.
The counterattack is a direct communication asking the initial attacker to stop.
The counterattack does not escalate the situation.
The counterattack effects can be reversed.
