As the world goes digital, it is confronted with new types of threats. Cyberattacks from hackers from other countries and viruses that spread between computers are examples. Cybersecurity jobs in the international market require to protect computer systems from cyber-attacks. People in these positions may work from home, but sometimes travel to other offices, or even abroad to conduct research or respond to threats.
Global cooperation is crucial in order to tackle the multiple dimensions of cyber security on the international level. The threat is too vast for one financial firm, government agency or tech company to manage on their own. The COVID-19 pandemic, for instance has led to an increase in cyberattacks on banks and other financial institutions. These attacks threaten the integrity of the global supply chain and undermine the confidence in the banking industry.
While cyberattacks on high-income countries receive most of the focus, attackers are also attacking weaker targets in low and middle-income countries. These countries are a major target for hackers because they are able to outdo digital financial services such as mobile money networks. A increasing number of countries that have lower and middle incomes are adopting biometrics. This creates more opportunities for identity fraud.
In international cyber security, a key issue is determining the extent to which the existing international law can be utilized to cyberspace. The question of whether international law is applicable to cyberspace hasn’t been settled, despite the fact that the majority of states and international organisations that make up the Group of Eight (G8) affirm that it does.
The question of whether fundamental international legal regimes such as sovereignty and non-interference can be applied to cyberspace has been a hotly contested topic. There is also a lack of clarity on the application of the principle of proportionality to be applied to cyberattacks that are international in nature.
To help address the challenges of international cyber security, DHS has spearheaded a number of diplomatic initiatives around the world over the past decade. These include the development of norms for responsible state behavior in cyberspace and support for high-level U.S.-nation dialogues on these issues. In addition, through 86 International attaches and Department of State liaison offices all over the world, DHS works closely with the host government and embassy staff to discuss cybersecurity issues.
International cybersecurity initiatives are focused on the need to protect and promote human rights while combating violent extremism. The CCIPS has published a range of reports and other materials to support this, including an annual reports white papers, white paper and transcripts of congressional testimonies. The CCIPS also hosts an Global Cyber Threat Intelligence Exchange that gives real-time and actionable threats information to industry players, network operators and other stakeholders from all over the world. The CCIPS is a non-profit international organization, monitors cyber threats and supports law enforcement and private sector agencies in preventing and investigating cybercrime and intellectual theft crimes. Visit the CCIPS Documents and Reports page to find more details.