Provides a foundational review of key rules and actors in cyberspace, as well as important features of and questions regarding the dynamic and complex subject of cybersecurity, including: “the vagueness and ambiguity of language used to describe occurrences in the virtual world” and the distinction between “technical computer security” and “cybersecurity” (an issue of national security). Argues the norms related to the cyber domain differ distinctly from those of traditional kinetic logic, namely, standards like attribution, retaliation, and deterrence. Explores types of cyber-attacks, grouping them into three clusters: those that [1] “aim to gather information (espionage)…[2] focus on causing damage (Sabotage) and…[3] use more subtle tools to attack the accepted order (subversion).” Author Alex Tanchev then examines doctrines developed by governing bodies to respond to an evolving cyber-threat landscape, ranging from the “doctrine[s] of prevention” and risk management, to “deterrence through accountability” and “cyber-security as a public good.” The report concludes by identifying different state and non-state actors – enablers, disruptors & survivors and cyber-criminals & hacktivists respectively – and increasing attempts by supranational organizations (i.e. NATO, the EU, and UN) and others to coordinate response measures.
