CRS report on cyber deterrence: Improved ability to attribute attacks could be reinforced by spelling out potential consequences

Lawmakers and federal officials have largely focused cyber deterrence efforts on making U.S. targets harder to hit and thus dissuading potential attackers, according to the Congressional Research Service, but improvements in attributing attacks could allow for more robust responses against aggressors that should be spelled out publicly in U.S. policy.

The CRS report, “Cybersecurity: Deterrence Policy,” was released Jan. 18 and includes options for Congress on creating a cyber bureau at the State Department, international norms and standards-setting, and...