Communications of the ACM
.s. Cyber Approach 'too Predictable' For One Top General
U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff vice chairman Gen. James Cartwright
Photo courtesy of Associated Press
Prior to the presentation of a Pentagon cyberstrategy that favors defense over retaliation, U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff vice chairman Gen. James Cartwright criticized the current U.S. approach to computer system protection as "way too predictable," citing its lack of penalties as a major oversight.
The U.S. Department of Defense's new approach depends on deploying sensors, software, and special code that spots and halts breaches before they affect operations. "If an attack will not have its intended effect, those who wish us harm will have less reason to target us through cyberspace in the first place," says Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III.
Cartwright characterized the cyberstrategy as an initial step, noting that more aggressive cybermeasures, along with legal and diplomatic tactics, would eventually be needed to "raise the price" of attacking. Lynn says the United States has yet to be struck by an act of cyberwar and that remaining ambiguous about what would constitute such an act has a certain deterrent value. However, ultimately the president and Congress will decide whether the severity of the human and economic cost of such an attack is tantamount to an act of war.
From The Washington Post
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