China crosses President Obama’s cyber ‘red line’

[Commentary] Remember how President Barack Obama failed to enforce his “red line” in Syria? Well, it’s happening again -- this time in cyberspace. On April 1, President Obama drew a cyber “red line” in the sand when he signed an executive order authorizing sanctions against individuals or entities who carry out cyberattacks or cyberespionage against the United States. “Starting today,” President Obama declared, “we’re giving notice to those who pose significant threats to our security or economy by damaging our critical infrastructure, disrupting or hijacking our computer networks, or stealing the trade secrets of American companies or the personal information of American citizens for profit.” “As of today, the United States has a new tool to protect our nation, our companies, and our citizens ,” President Obama declared, “and in the days and years ahead, we will use it.” Except he’s not using it.

In the days after he spoke those words, the United States discovered that Chinese government hackers had broken into the computer networks of the Office of Personnel Management -- stealing the personnel records of as many as 18 million Americans. The failure to protect this information is appalling. But the failure to respond to an attack of this magnitude is inexcusable. In April, President Obama warned that “from now on” his Administration would “go after bad actors” who carry out cyberattacks on the United States. China responded by launching the most audacious attack in history. So, Mr. President, what are you going to do about it?