14 DAY TRIAL // The United States keeps pointing the finger at other countries, particularly China, for conducting cyber espionage operations against US organizations and government agencies. However, the US also has some serious cyber offensive capabilities, and they’re not afraid to use them.
The Guardian has obtained an 18-page secret directive, written in October 2012, which reveals that US national security and intelligence officials have created a list of possible cyberattack targets from overseas. The list was allegedly created on the orders of US President Barack Obama.
The document sets out some rules for the cyberattacks launched by the US against foreign targets. For instance, it clarifies the fact that cyber operations should not violate any US or international laws, and that operations which might have serious consequences should only be launched after being approved by the president.
“Last year the president signed a classified presidential directive relating to cyber operations, updating a similar directive dating back to 2004. This step is part of the administration's focus on cybersecurity as a top priority. The cyber threat has evolved, and we have new experiences to take into account,” Caitlin Hayden, national security council spokeswoman, said in response to The Guardian’s findings.
“This directive establishes principles and processes for the use of cyber operations so that cyber tools are integrated with the full array of national security tools we have at our disposal. It provides a whole-of-government approach consistent with the values that we promote domestically and internationally as we have previously articulated in the International Strategy for Cyberspace,” she added.
“This directive will establish principles and processes that can enable more effective planning, development, and use of our capabilities. It enables us to be flexible, while also exercising restraint in dealing with the threats we face.”
A Chinese official has recently revealed that the country’s agencies have mountains of data to prove that the US is behind a large number of cyberattacks. However, the official says China doesn’t want to make accusations that don’t lead to any results.