Are cyber attacks an act of war?

[utvolpj]

Based on the info coming out about the US/Israel targeting Iran with these attacks, do you consider them an act of war? Should they be viewed the same way as a conventional strike? Is retaliation for such actions warranted and/or justified?

everyone has heard about Stuxnet but it appears it goes a bit further than that

U.S., Israel developed Flame computer virus to slow Iranian nuclear efforts, officials say - The Washington Post

Flame was developed at least five years ago as part of a classified effort code-named Olympic Games, according to officials familiar with U.S. cyber-operations and experts who have scrutinized its code. The U.S.-Israeli collaboration was intended to slow Iran’s nuclear program, reduce the pressure for a conventional military attack and extend the timetable for diplomacy and sanctions.

“This is about preparing the battlefield for another type of covert action,” said one former high-ranking U.S. intelligence official, who added that Flame and Stuxnet were elements of a broader assault that continues today. “Cyber-collection against the Iranian program is way further down the road than this.”

 

[TennTradition]

It could be reasonably taken that way - but should be no more than, say, a special forces strike or sabotage.

I've been wondering if a thread would pop up on this for the past few weeks. Flame seems to be the bigger, bulkier cousin of Stuxnet. The biggest surprise to me has been the amount of information that has been flowing on this. It is mainly related to the book that is being written - but it seems way too many former Bush administration and former/current Obama administration officials gave details of the US involvement in Stuxnet and how the US/Israel went about doing it. Granted, everyone assumed it was a US/Israel operation, but I not happy with the amount of info that leaked.

 

[BearCat204]

but I not happy with the amount of info that leaked.

I feel the same way.

 

[utvolpj]

is that leak because of the Israelis or in our own house?

Despite their collaboration on developing the malicious code, the United States and Israel have not always coordinated their attacks. Israel’s April assaults on Iran’s Oil Ministry and oil-export facilities caused only minor disruptions. The episode led Iran to investigate and ultimately discover Flame.

I'm just having a hard time seeing how Iran would not be justified in viewing it as an attack and responding. How could we seriously criticize them when we, or our allies, were directly involved?

If the same thing happened to the US there would be quite a few calling for reciprocation

 

[BearCat204]

is that leak because of the Israelis or in our own house?

I'm just having a hard time seeing how Iran would not be justified in viewing it as an attack and responding. How could we seriously criticize them when we, or our allies, were directly involved?

If the same thing happened to the US there would be quite a few calling for reciprocation

IMO, they would have every justification to view it as an attack. I would actually be more surprised if they did nothing.

 

[TennTradition]

is that leak because of the Israelis or in our own house?

Most seems to have come from our side of things. I don't remember anything being specifically cited as an Israeli source discussing US involvement. Israel has hinted at its involvement is speeches and the like, but I think the sieve was on our end.