It Is Too Late To Prevent A U.S.-China Cyberwar?

Preventing a U.S.-China Cyberwar -- New York Times editorial

When President Obama and President Xi Jinping of China have their first meeting next month in California, addressing the issue of China’s cyberattacks on American institutions will be an important priority. Both nations need to take steps to avoid drifting into an all-out cyberwar.

Despite Beijing’s denials, there is little doubt that Chinese hackers have taken aim at a range of government and private systems in the United States, including the power grid and telecommunications networks. In February, a report by the computer security firm Mandiant detailed how hackers working for the People’s Liberation Army of China had gained access to data from American companies and government agencies. Earlier this month, a Pentagon report explicitly accused the Chinese military of the attacks.

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My Comment: I think it is too late to prevent a U.S.-China cyberwar .... that genie left the bottle a long time ago. Instead .... I believe the focus should be on making sure that a "hot cyber war" does not convert inself a "hot conflict" politically/diplomatically/economically .... and eventually .... using conventional military forces. Probably the best way to do this is to lay down 'red lines' on what is not permitted (i.e. attacking infrastructure/banking networks/etc.) .... the consequences if they are crossed .... and then hope for the best.