The Danish Defense Intelligence Service (FE) has stated its readiness to launch cyberattacks against hostile states and organizations, according to Politiken daily. Over the next 2 years some $75 million (465 million kroner) will be invested in an “offensive” cyber division, RT reported.
This is reportedly a move by Denmark to expand its capabilities from focusing solely on defending itself against hacker attacks, to also attacking hostile targets.
The idea is being developed in the wake of attacks over past several years which allegedly targeted the country’s defense and business sector for sensitive information. Since 2012 at least four Danish companies have reportedly been targeted in “incredibly” sophisticated, “state-sponsored” attacks blamed on the usual suspect, China, according to reports from FE.
While an offensive cyberattack should typically be conducted in secrecy in order to surprise the target, some experts have suggested it must be viewed in the same light as a military operation, meaning it would need an authorization from the parliament.
However, the defense ministry believes only those cyberattacks that would result in physical damage to the target should be considered warfare and require prior parliamentary approval, according to Politiken.
