A Soft Counterattack On Private Counterhacks

Herb Lin of the National Research Council has launched the first, soft counterattack on those who think victims of cyberespionage should have greater leeway to respond directly to intrusions. Herb always strives for some balance in his work, but it’s clear that he’s a skeptic, concluding

“It is not clear that the use of offensive operations in response to hostile actions against private parties would in fact mitigate the threat those parties face, or that the benefits would necessarily outweigh the risks. It is certain, however, that taking such actions would raise a host of thorny domestic and international legal and policy issues.”

In fact, some of the issues Herb raises aren’t “thorny” at all. Should companies defending themselves be able to hire experts to assist them, he asks. Well duh. Is there anyone who thinks that they shouldn’t be able to get such help?