A worm is infecting systems by exploiting a bug in a popular server program. It is spreading rapidly, and systems where it is deleted quickly become reinfected. A security researcher decides to launch a counterattack in the form of a defensive worm. Whenever a break-in attempt comes from a remote host, the defensive worm detects it, heads off the break-in, and exploits the same bug to spread to the attacking host. On that host, it deletes the original worm. It then waits until that system is attacked, and the cycle repeats.

1. Many people would claim that launching a counterattack in this scenario is ethically unacceptable. Give at least three arguments that support this view.
   2. Are there circumstances or conditions under which a counterattack would be ethically justified? Explain your reasoning.