Criminal cyber operations can cause considerable damage to society and threaten peace at the global level, particularly so-called ransomware attacks carried out by non-state actors. There is a real danger of escalation and spill over into the "physical world". Purely national countermeasures are not enough as perpetrators are often located abroad. In some cases, states cover for cybercriminals or even use their activities for political purposes.
The UN negotiations on a global treaty against cybercrime, which start in January 2022, are an opportunity to counteract these trends globally. But how can such a new framework contribute to peace and security? In IFSH’s new Policy Brief, Mischa Hansel and Jantje Silomon make a number of suggestions: First, a global treaty to combat cybercrime should build on existing and proven international agreements, such as the Budapest Convention of the Council of Europe. Second, there is a need to close protection gaps and contain escalation potentials. Finally, it should prevent repressive regimes from using the agreement as a pretext for human rights abuses.
Read the new IFSH Policy Brief