Latest hacks illustrate global attribution problems

Significance

Both incidents renew the debate over the limits of attribution and the principles which ought to guide appropriate responses by nations and businesses that have been affected by, or implicated in, a cyber attack.

Impacts

• Although North Korea has grabbed headlines recently, China's cyber capabilities pose a far greater threat to US interests.
• Growing concern from insurers and re-insurers about exposure to large cyber-related losses will drive more investment in prevention.
• Increasing information-sharing can go some way in aiding the formation of appropriate mitigation measures for cyber breaches.