Physical response to a virtual attack

The United States could even respond to a cyber attack with military force, according to a document just published.

"If necessary, the United States will respond to hostile action against it in cyberspace in the same way as any other threat to the country," reads the long-awaited study, The International Strategy for Cyberspace. "Self-defense is an inalienable right of every state. , and we recognize that certain hostilities in cyberspace may require us to take action in accordance with our obligations to our military contractual partners. "

"We reserve the right, in accordance with international law and in accordance with international law, to protect our country, our allies, our partners and our interests by all necessary means, diplomatic, informational, military and economic," the document said.

However, the government adds that the use of military force can only take place as a last resort.

The 30-page study advocates the development of international IT security standards that would apply to both U.S. government agencies and the country’s diplomatic partners. Among other things, it looks to help developing states that want to improve the security of their networks, and calls on countries around the world not to take refuge in cybercriminals.