The Pentagon has confirmed that a cyber attack against computer networks in the United States could prompt a retaliatory military strike.
"It would be irresponsible, and a failure of the Defense Department's mission, to leave the nation vulnerable to a known threat," Deputy Defense Secretary William Lynn explained during a recent briefing about the DoD's new cyber strategy.
"[As such], the United States reserves the right, under the laws of armed conflict, to respond to serious cyber attacks with a proportional and justified military response at the time and place of our choosing."
However, Lynn said the DoD's cyber strategy ultimately emphasized "denying the benefit of [an] attack."
"If an attack will not have its intended effect, those who wish us harm will have less reason to target us in the first place," Lynn said.
He noted that any response to a cyber offensive would be "dictated by the effect," rather than location. ........................
