Cyber Accountability

Improving cyber accountability and deterring malicious cyber activity

In Emerging Technology Research

Malicious cyber operations are omnipresent and current approaches to “cyber deterrence” fall short. To help deter cyber incidents and foster accountability, already accepted international norms and law need to be effectively implemented.

The Cyber Accountability project is examining past experiences addressing other international threats and risks to identify lessons learned in the area of accountability that can be applicable to cyber. By applying lessons from other domestic and international efforts, the project will provide policymakers with both legal and technical expertise on accountability in the cyber domain, as well as perspectives from government, civil society, and industry on potential paths to better address cyber threats. This project is being implemented by regular engagement with other stakeholders, a webinar series, and production of a research report.

Remarks
UN talks on international cyber security should consider the digital risks facing other domains, learn from other threat areas, and consider gender
Allison Pytlak

Research & Writing

Commentary
From participation gaps to differentiated threats and challenges in accessing technology, cyber (still) has a gender problem
Allison Pytlak • Lisa Sharland
Commentary
Discussing the changing role of cyber operations in the Russia-Ukraine war, their implications for international law, and measuring harm
Allison Pytlak
Project Note
Stimson joined with States and stakeholders in London to launch a new process for addressing spyware, ‘hackers for hire’, and other intrusive cyber threats
Allison Pytlak
Project Note
Stimson’s roundtable on Cyber Accountability at the Society for Risk Analysis (SRA) Annual Meeting in Washington, DC, provided ways forward for managing cybersecurity.
Debra Decker
Project Note
Stimson co-hosted a side event about cyber accountability on the margins of a recent meeting for the UN’s cyber working group
Allison Pytlak
Issue Brief
In the long run, a transparent, robust, and broadly accepted attribution process is needed to hold malicious actors accountable for cyber offenses
Dr. Andreas Kuehn • Debra Decker • Kathryn Rauhut
Commentary
Key developments from the UN’s working group session on international cyber peace and security and its implications for cyber accountability
Allison Pytlak
Project Note
Summarizing key themes of discussion from a recent workshop on “Fostering Accountability in Cyberspace”
Debra Decker • Kathryn Rauhut • Allison Pytlak
Project Note
Stimson’s new cyber program recently held two events that brought together the diplomatic community, industry, academia, and civil society for exploratory discussions on deterrence, transparency, and accountability
Allison Pytlak
Commentary
The UN’s cyber working group met in March amid geopolitical tension and rising cyber threats. How can it balance expectations and political realities?
Allison Pytlak • Andrea Salvi
Remarks
UN talks on international cyber security should consider the digital risks facing other domains, learn from other threat areas, and consider gender
Allison Pytlak
Remarks
UN cyber discussions should look broadly for lessons in managing cyberspace via agreed models - ranging from points-of-contact to accountability.
Debra Decker
Remarks
At the July 2022 Stakeholder Meeting of the UN Cyber Open-ended Working Group, Stimson Calls for Guidance on Implementation and Help in Capacity Building
Debra Decker
Remarks
Stimson encourages the new 2021-2025 OEWG on cyber to support research and stakeholder collaboration in progressing accountability in cyberspace.
Debra Decker
Remarks
NGOs and others can help UN jumpstart its efforts by doing the research needed to address some critical questions such as accountability, non-duplication of efforts and action priorities.
Debra Decker

Events

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Publications & Project Lists

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