no-first-use-policy

The chapter explores the strategic implications of a 'No First Use' policy in cyber warfare, contrasting it with nuclear strategy where the U.S. never adopted such a stance. It discusses the tactical and political consequences of initiating cyber attacks first, including the potential loss of offensive advantage and the ambiguity in defining what constitutes 'use' of cyber weapons. The authors highlight the challenges in applying a No First Use doctrine to cyber conflict, especially given the blurred lines between intelligence operations and acts of war.

Chapter 4 proposes the establishment of a Cyber War Limitation Treaty (CWLT) modeled after nuclear arms control agreements like SALT and START, aiming to limit cyber warfare without banning intelligence gathering or hacking outright. The treaty would include measures such as a Cyber Risk Reduction Center, bans on first-use cyber attacks against civilian infrastructure, prohibitions on peacetime preparation of cyber battlefields targeting civilians, and national accountability for preventing cyber attacks originating from their territories. It also addresses challenges like attribution and non-state actors, emphasizing international cooperation and graduated sanctions to uphold treaty obligations.