Cyber Espionage as Acceptable State Behavior: A Case Study

Introduction

Cyberspace has become an important element in the operations of any given country in today's information age. Countries across the globe use cyberspace for various purposes, including commerce and modern warfare. Cyberspace has developed into a crucial component of modern warfare as adversaries continue to exploit the potential of the Internet to carry out their activities. It is used at both the operational and strategic levels of modern conflict. At the strategic level, cyberspace is used to deter adversaries and influence the strategic balance of power in relation to the strengths and weaknesses of a state.¹ As cyberspace has come to dominate modern warfare, the concept and practice of cyber espionage has emerged. Cyber espionage refers to the practice of obtaining secrets without the permission of the owner or possessor of the information.² As a form of cyberattack, cyber espionage is one of the most complex international problems in today's world, despite being seen by some as an acceptable state behavior.

Background

Cyber espionage has become one of the most important and complex international problems in today's world. It can generate numerous risks and threats to security and other critical operations because it involves the illegitimate possession of personal, sensitive, classified, or proprietary information. Cyber espionage is carried out through various exploitation methods and techniques targeting individual computers, networks, or the Internet. It incorporates intentional activities to infiltrate or penetrate computer systems and networks used by a rival in order to obtain information stored within or transmitted through those systems.³ Cyber espionage is used by different nations across the globe — including the United States, China, and Russia — despite ongoing concerns regarding its legitimacy and its status as an acceptable state behavior.

Problem Statement

Cyber espionage involves practices that result in information theft that could be used to attack an adversary. It poses threats and risks to relations between states and has become a complex international problem in the modern world. Cyber espionage is largely viewed as a new intelligence-gathering approach and strategy for national security decision-making. However, it remains a form of cyberattack, which is legally and ethically contested.

Research Question

How is cyber espionage an acceptable state behavior for intelligence gathering, even though it potentially damages relations between nation-states?

Purpose Statement

The purpose of this study is to examine the proposition that cyber espionage is an acceptable state behavior despite being a form of cyberattack, which is generally deemed unacceptable. The evaluation includes an exploration of norms established to promote the acceptability of cyber espionage despite its potential damaging impacts on relations between states.

Significance of the Study

This study helps address existing concerns regarding the acceptability of cyber espionage, even though it seemingly promotes information theft. It is important to study this issue because cyber espionage has generated numerous concerns regarding its legitimacy and acceptability vis-à-vis cyberattack, as well as broader global security concerns.