Let the Retaliation Begin

It always takes too long for a country to retaliate for cyber intrusions into their internal affairs.  That is because the country of origin always denies doing it, and the proof of it is a state secret on both sides of the action.  Well, the British are about to enter the fray with Russia over the same kind of influence  campaigns run by Russia in the U.S.  We should all remember that Russia has their own elections next year.  We might know who would win that election, but it could be more difficult than they realize if the wronged countries put their heads together.  Germany and France were part of that too.  

The BBC has published a story about how this all started and the threats of retaliation being made.  The British are hot about the interference in the Brexit debate, where the Russians did quite a bit for those wanting to leave the EU, but kept the fires burning on both sides of the debate.  The PM warned Russia in November;  the head of part of the U.K.’s security establishment said it again this month as the Russians continue to undermine the U.K and every democracy they can.

The Russians and Chinese both need to see what the West can do when motivated.  The U.S., U.K., Germany and France all have capable cyber forces that can combine to make like more interesting for both of them.  The Russians and Chinese have 32 agreements on non-interference and cooperation against the rest of the world.  We only need a little of that same kind of cooperation to make them think twice about stealing our technology, and stiring up trouble in our respective countries - without consequence.  Retaliation is a good start, but a deterrent strategy we can all live with would be better.