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الهجمات على شبكات الحاسوب في القانون الدولي الانساني == The Computer Network Attacks Under International Humantarian Rights
Author name:
سراب ثامر احمد
Supervisor name:
حيدر ادهم عبد الهادي الطائي
General topic:
Law
Specific topic:
International Humanitarian Law
Degree:
Doctorate
University:
Al-Nahrain University - Collage Of Law - Department Of Public Law
Language:
Arabic
University location:
Baghdad
First pages:
13T1533 - p.pdf
Abstract:
This thesis deals with " computer network attacks under international humantarian law " These attacks are ( actions taken through the use of computer networks to disrupt ,deny , degrade or destroy information resident in computers and computer networks or the computers and networks themselves. The defining feature of this form of attacks is the fact that both the weapon and the target of the attack is the network itself and the information contained on such network. This type of attacks which are part of the information warfare , uses computer code to effect its damage and is capable of causing a myriad of effects depending on the target system's function.According to US military definition , information is " facts , data or instuctions in any medium or form " thus the operating code of a computer , its automated processes and applications , as well as the files and data it contains are all information.In fact , it is the use of computers as means or methods of warfare , that is legally challenging. At the broadest level the information operations ( IO ) are those " actions taken to affect adversary information and information systems while defending one's own information and information systems"IO can occur during peace time and at every level of warfare.By contrast , information warfare ( IW ) is " information operations conducted during time of crises or conflict to achieve specific objectives over aspecific adversary or adversaries ". According to US.strategy , the goal of IW is to achieve domainant " information superiority " over the opponent , and it is the offensive IW especially computer network attack , that covers abroad rang of hostile techniques involving computer code. Such malicious software can cause extensive disruption , as in the case of the denial of service attacks which hit Estonia , or physical destruction , as with the Stuxnet worm which hit the enrichment facility in Iran.These types of attacks are capable of shutting down websites , servers and can cause physical effects through targeting the control systems of technologically advanced societies , these systems control power plants , water systems , dams , gas pipelines , chemical plants and reactors. These control systems have proven particulary vulnerable to attack.Computer network attacks may come in isolation , but will more probably be used in conjunction with conventional attack , either to ease the way for the conventional attack or to amplify it's effects. These attack may constitute a use of force under article ( 2 /4 ) of the U.N.charter , and if these attacks does not rise to that level , they are still not permissible as an unlawful interference in the affairs of a state , and may amount to a threat to the peace.In addition , to the previous issue , computer network attacks may raise different questiones concerning the applicability of the laws of armed conflict which apply to all situations of armed conflict whther or not war is declared , and regardless of whether the parties involved recognise the state of armed conflict.None of the instruments relating to the laws of armed conflict deal with computer network attacks explicitly , therfore the question must be asked whether the rules of this law should apply to these attacks at all , and if so under what circumstances would computer network attack be sufficient to tigger the application of those laws ? what prohibition to computer network attacks follow from rules giving special protection to certain objects ? what activities of civilians relating to CNA constitute direct participation in hostilities and cause them to lose their protection against direct attack ? Do specific prohibitions of methods of warfare , such as the prohibition of perfidy or of improper use of protected emblems , signs and signals apply to CNA and , if so , in which way ? what limitations are there on targeting lawful targets with CNA ? who may conduct CNA ? what precautions must be taken by those planning or excuting a CNA ? Are commanderes or other superiors responsible for the acts of their subordinates in conducting CNA ?All these questions have been discussed throughout this thesis , and the conclusion is that despite the newness of the technology of computer network attack , legal contraints apply to it. Although there is no provision of IHL that explicitly out laws CNA , it is clear however that CNA may only be undertaken to the degree and in away which respects existing law and it's related principles such as the principles of distinction , proportionality and precautions in attack.
