Cybersecurity and International Law: Addressing State Responsibility in a Digitally Interconnected World

Abstract

The rapid proliferation of cyber threats has transformed cyberspace into a critical battleground for states, demanding a reevaluation of state responsibility under international law. This study explores the legal challenges arising from cyber operations, focusing on how existing international frameworks—particularly principles of sovereignty, non-intervention, and the prohibition of the use of force—apply to state actions in the digital realm. The research employs a doctrinal analysis of international legal instruments, customary norms, and relevant case law to assess the adequacy of these principles in addressing cyber threats. It further investigates the complexities of attributing cyberattacks to states and the role of international cooperation in strengthening cybersecurity governance. The study reveals significant gaps in the application of current international law to cyberspace, particularly in attribution and accountability, highlighting the need for updated legal norms. Ultimately, it proposes the development of new cooperative mechanisms and legal frameworks to ensure more effective regulation of state behavior in cyberspace, aiming to promote greater stability and security in the digital domain.