Cyber Attacks: If you thought, the internet was a place to do just about anything and go scott-free, well you thought wrong. In years ahead, virtual life would be very much monitored and controlled as in real life. Presently plans are in place to sanction internet offenders.
The US has taken a step further as an order for the creation of a programme that would allow the government to sanction foreign hackers , has been placed by President Barack Obama.
In line with this, the US Treasury will now be able to target cyber attackers who attempt any such attack on US assets and infrastructure.
According to Obama, cyber attacks-threats are one of the most serious economic and national security challenges that the US faces.
I would like to mention that not only the US, but other countries including developing countries having a teeming population of youths who are heavy internet users, need to also be wary of this.
The White House has not announced any new sanctions, only the authority to impose them when it deems necessary was made clear.
Recall that sometime in January, the US imposed new sanctions on North Korea in response to a cyber attack against Sony Pictures.
This new programme by the United States, is the product of an executive order issued by the president yesterday.
The authorisation gives the US Treasury Secretary – in coordination with the Attorney General and Secretary of State – the ability to sanction “individuals or entities” that pose a cyber threat to the “national security, foreign policy, or economic health or financial stability of the United States.
The tool will not be used to target free speech on the internet or to curtail digital innovation and will not replace traditional law enforcement responses to cyber threats. Instead, it is another tool for combating the threats when they originate from places with weak cyber security laws, or that have otherwise eluded traditional responses.
In December, Sony Pictures was initially forced to pull its comedy The Interview from theatres after hackers released the personal data of its employees and embarrassing emails written by executives. The hackers also threatened violence at cinemas. Sony eventually decided to release the film in theatres and online.
This programme as already mentioned will not be enforced within the US alone but it is targeted at the international body; hence you might want to refrain from cyber attacking.
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