Christopher Painter, State Department coordinator for cyber issues, has said cybersecurity efforts should focus on effects because similar tactics could be used to secure or harm networks, Defense Systems reported Wednesday.
Mark Pomerleau writes Painter told the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee that the dual use of cyber tools poses a challenge to regulation because restrictions could also impede industries and governments’ use of cyber systems for protection.
“I think the correct course is for us… to pursue this idea of what effects we’re trying to control, what are the rules of the road, what are the norms that we want, how does international law apply, how do we communicate with each other… to make sure we have a long-term, stable environment in cyberspace,” Painter said.
He has also noted potential conflict in the terminologies used to refer to cyber activities when considering international policies on self-defense in the event of an attack or intrusion, the report said.
