ABSTRACT
The intended target of cybersecurity is infrastructure whether the nation-states or the individuals rather than physical or bodily harm. Despite the focus on infrastructure, not physical or bodily harm, the psychological harm is debilitating. A cyber attack has the potential of causing significant damage to the nation-state's infrastructure, ranging from the water system to air traffic control towers. The practical application of the paradigms requires the nation-state to develop an operationally viable cyber counterattack policy and capability. Doing so ensures that the nation-state conducts self-defense in accordance with existing international law principles. The importance of cyber countercapability is that it simultaneously facilitates self-defense while respecting international law principles. In accordance with international law, the response to a cyber attack must be proportional, the intelligence information must indicate that an attack is imminent, and the nation-state must demonstrate there were no alternatives to physical engagement.
