The UN Cyber Norms: How Do They Guide the Responsible Development and Use of Offensive Cyber Capabilities?

The idea of cyber security norms lays the groundwork for how existing countries tread cyber-conflict. These norms are currently spearheaded on the international level by the United Nations as they guide their constituent states on best practice policies for possession and use of “offensive cyber capabilities”. The UN has delineated 11 cyber norms that are crucial for states to follow to minimize the impact of cyber-conflict. These norms include advice such as “cooperate to increase stability and security in cyberspace” and “respect human rights — including privacy — online” seek to bridge the growing gap between standard international relations goals in the political world with those of the cyber world. Responsible forms of offense cyber as noted by the UN are a collective benefit to all major cyber powers.