The German government is currently discussing the extent to which the state can and should respond to cyber attacks with digital counterattacks. Proponents of such measures argue that the state must be able to end a cyber attack by destroying the source computers/systems – especially in crisis situations, for example, when important infrastructures are threatened. However, a closer look shows that counterattacks are problematic. Firstly, in practice, it is not possible to determine quickly enough who is the originator of an attack. In time-critical situations, counterattacks are very likely to be ineffective. Secondly, it is unclear what results quick counterattacks lead to. And thirdly, questions arise about the global political implications of such an approach.