As the world turns digital and more connected, it is also facing a new set of threats. This includes cyber attacks carried out by hackers from other countries, and viruses that are transmitted from computer to computer. International cybersecurity jobs include working to safeguard computers from electronic threats. These positions can be held from home, but they may also require travel to other company website offices or out of the country to respond to threats or research.
To tackle the many facets of cyber-security worldwide Global cooperation is needed. The threat is way too big for any one government, financial company or tech company to handle alone. For instance, the COVID-19 epidemic has increased the number of cyberattacks targeting banks and other financial institutions. These attacks can compromise the integrity of the global supply chain and threaten the trust of the banking industry.
Cyberattacks on high income countries get the most attention, but attackers also target smaller targets within low- and middle-income countries. These countries are the most popular attack target for hackers since they are able to outdo online financial services like mobile money networks. A increasing number of countries with lower and middle incomes are using biometrics. This creates more opportunities for identity fraud.
A major issue in international cyber security is to determine the way in which international law is applicable to cyberspace. The question of whether existing international law applies to cyberspace has not yet been solved, despite the fact that the majority of the states and international organizations that comprise the Group of Eight (G8) affirm that it does.
In particular, the issue of how the fundamental international legal systems like sovereignty and non-interference apply to cyberspace is a hotly debated issue. Also, there is some uncertainty as to whether the principle of proportionality should be applied to international cyber-attacks.
DHS has led a number international diplomatic initiatives in the past decade to solve the problems of cyber security on an international scale. This has included the creation of standards for responsible behavior of states in cyberspace and support for high-level U.S.-nation discussions on these issues. In addition, through 86 foreign attache and Department of State liaison offices across the globe, DHS works closely with the host government and embassy personnel to discuss cybersecurity issues.
International cybersecurity efforts also focus on the need to protect human rights and counter terrorists and violent extremism. To this end the CCIPS has published a number of reports and other documents including annual reports, white papers, transcripts of congressional testimony, and blogs. The CCIPS also hosts the Global Cyber Threat Intelligence Exchange that provides real-time and actionable threat information to industry players, network operators and other individuals from around the globe. The CCIPS is an international non-profit organisation that tracks cyber threats, and also aids private sector companies and law enforcement agencies in investigating and preventing cybercrimes and intellectual property crimes. Please visit the CCIPS Documents and Reports page for more details.