Cyber Espionage, Surveillance, and International Law: Finding Common Ground

Abstract

The confluence of interests between victims of overbroad surveillance and cyber espionage presents an opportunity to begin developing new norms and eventual international law that could bring more rationality, predictability, and privacy protections to the cyber domain. The costs of cyber espionage are real and the threats and vulnerabilities will increase with the progression of technology. Companies and States are woefully underprepared for the level of cyber espionage they are facing. Solutions vary, but they all share the common foundation of increased international cooperation and the development of a customary international legal framework that everyone understands.

Keywords: cyber espionage, cyber law, international law, cybersecurity