Use of force in self-defense against cyber-attacks and the shockwaves in the legal community: One more reason for holistic legal approach to cyberspace

Abstract

Technological advance is a double edge sword. Computer systems that monitor and control industrial infrastructure brings efficiency but at the same time security challenges too. Urged by this complexity some countries have considered to use military force in response to cyber-attacks. Such possibilities have created shockwaves inside the legal community. While some negate the applicability of Ius ad bellum others believe that its principles, standards and norms provide framework for use of force in self-defense. Giving the influence that legal community has in policy making the article offers legal analyses with these regards and use them to provide some incentives for legal alternatives. The overall argument of the article is that division inside the legal community is one more reason for international community to reconsider international legal reforms. These reforms must be based on holistic approach.