Here is another example of a completely reasonable reaction by the United States government. In their recently released International Strategy for Cyberspace [PDF] the United States made a few statement one of which was a threat to bomb the shit out of anybody who hacks their computers:
States have an inherent right to self-defense that may be triggered by certain aggressive acts in cyberspace,” says the policy. Indeed, such aggressive acts might compel a country like the US to act even when the hacking is targeted at an allied country.
Certain hostile acts conducted through cyberspace could compel actions under the commitments we have with our military treaty partners,” says the document. “When warranted, the United States will respond to hostile acts in cyberspace as we would any other threat to our country.”
Personally I feel that may be a bit of an overreaction, especially threatening to bomb countries that hack into computers owned by allied countries. I certainly feel this is an overreaction as the paper says the United States will take these actions “when warranted” which translates roughly into “if you country has any natural resources we desire.” Yeah I’m cynical.