Cyber Transparency Value Chain: From Awareness and Understanding to Attribution, Monitoring and Sanctioning

Navigating the digital landscape requires a complex balancing act between various interests, threats, and resilience. HCSS and the CyberPeace Institute are working together to increase cyber transparency, to inform policy processes and capacity building efforts, and contribute to accountability efforts. This new joint report provides an overview of the monitors and observatories developed to date by each organisation, which evolve as the threat and policy landscape evolves.

In the ever-evolving world of cyber regulations, ongoing negotiations shape the norms and laws governing cyberspace behaviour. Governments and organizations are dedicated to fortifying cyberspace security, yet cyber threats persist on all levels, from international to individual. The lack of transparency in this digital arena often leaves intergovernmental discussions devoid of a common foundation. Transparency is the key to shedding light on these situations, averting inadvertent incidents, and holding those who misuse cyberspace accountable.

The CyberPeace Institute and the Hague Centre for Strategic Studies (HCSS) recognize the importance of data-driven and evidence-based research to ensure the safe and secure use of information and communication technologies (ICTs).

We have jointly published the report “Cyber Transparency Value Chain: From Awareness and Understanding to Attribution, Monitoring and Sanctioning, Open Source Monitors and Observatories“.

This report leverages and complements the ongoing work of the two organizations in particular, the publishing of specific online monitors and analysis on the cyber threat landscape. These publicly accessible monitors enable a broader understanding of threat actors, the impact and harms of cyber incidents, and accountability efforts related to laws and norms in cyberspace. This report reflects the efforts needed to increase transparency, accountability, build peace and reduce harm in cyberspace, and for the safe and secure use of information and communication technologies (ICTs).

This collaboration reflects a shared ambition to contribute to the stability of cyberspace, to strengthen knowledge and bridge the cybersecurity and cyber policy gap.

Authors: Michel Rademaker (HCSS Deputy Director) and Charlotte Lindsey (Chief Public Policy Officer, CyberPeace Institute).