المعيار
Volume 16, Numéro 2, Pages 560-575
2025-12-01

Cyber Attacks Under International Law

Authors : Hemis Maamar .

Abstract

Cyber-attacks represent one of the most pressing challenges facing international law in the digital era. They raise legal questions regarding their classification: should they be considered a use of force, an act of aggression, or merely a violation of state sovereignty? The issue also concerns the applicability of traditional principles of international law, such as non-intervention and the obligation not to allow one’s territory to be used for hostile acts. Despite international efforts to establish norms governing cyberspace, the absence of a comprehensive treaty remains a major obstacle. Consequently, the debate continues on how to strike a balance between cybersecurity and the maintenance of international peace and security.

Keywords

Cyber Attacks ; International Law ; Cyberspace Governance ; State Sovereignty ; Use of Force