Pipeline Attack Raising Pressure for Global Cybersecurity Talks

A hack that shut down a major U.S. fuel pipeline will put pressure on global talks to set boundaries for acceptable behavior in cyberspace and hold countries accountable for cybercrimes that stem from their territory, according to the nation’s first cyber diplomat.

The U.S. and other countries have agreed as part of a United Nations effort that medical facilities, energy networks, and other critical infrastructure should be off limits to cyberattacks by governments. The challenge is enforcing such norms by calling out hackers and imposing consequences on them, such as sanctions.

“Unless we have a comprehensive, sustained approach, this is ...