Cyberattacks: Emerging Impacts and Criminal Liability of Perpetrators

Abstract

The study seeks to identify and explore a very important topic: “Cyberattacks: Emerging Impacts and Criminal Liability of Perpetrators,” since such attacks pose a serious threat to humanity, particularly when they target the critical infrastructure of states.

Cyberattacks can cause tremendous human suffering in times of armed conflict by targeting infrastructure deemed necessary for the civilian population’s survival. Therefore, using a descriptive-analytical approach and an inductive approach, the study presents several observations, including the risks and impacts on civilians.

Today, with the rise of cyberattacks as a new form of warfare conducted, unlike traditional wars, in the distinct environment of cyberspace, jurists and legal experts are compelled to develop and apply clear legal frameworks. This is essential to prevent unrestricted use of these powerful tools and to ensure accountability in their deployment.

Undeniably, the seriousness of cyberattacks is heightened by the difficulty of identifying perpetrators and their origins. Therefore, it is crucial to shed light on this form of warfare—cyberattacks—with a primary focus on holding accountable those responsible for international crimes committed through such means and advancing the cause of international criminal justice.