Changing the face of cyber warfare with international cyber defense collaboration

Abstract

The international scope of the internet and global reach of technological usage requires the South African legislative system to address issues related to the application and implementation of international legislation. However, legislation in cyberspace is rather complex since the technological revolution and dynamic technological innovations are often not well suited to any legal system. A further complication is the lack of comprehensive international cyber defense cooperation treaties. The result is that many countries are not properly prepared, nor adequately protected by legislation, in the event of a cyber attack on a national level. This article will address the international cyber defense collaboration problem by looking at the impact of technological revolution on warfare. Thereafter, the article will evaluate the South African legal system with regard to international cyber defense collaboration. It will also look at the influence of cyber defense on the international position of the Government, as well as cyber security and cyber warfare acts and the command and control aspects thereof. The research presented is largely theoretical in nature, focusing on recent events in the public international domain.