THE CRITICAL ROLE OF CYBERSPACE ACTIVITIES IN ENHANCING GLOBAL SECURITY

Abstract

This study examines the activities in cyberspace and the critical role they play in furthering global security, especially as our world becomes increasingly digitalized and interconnected. The importance of the cyberspace in today's world is premised on the fact that most systems and critical infrastructure are linked within it. The study notes that cyber-attacks (CA), their threats and protective actions are being carried out by state and non-state actors to undermine and protect the cyberspace. The formulation of military outfits by several nations for cyber operations portends substantial dangers that could lead to cyberwar (CW) or attacks with dire consequences, given that the preponderance of activities in the land, air, sea, and space domains ride on protocols implemented within the cyberspace. The study finds the availability of strategies and legislative instruments in various countries for cybersecurity but observes challenges relating to civil liberties and human rights. The study further synthesizes the possible impacts of a full-fledged CW or CA on a nation with all its critical infrastructure and systems networked in the cyberspace. The outcomes of CW/CA on a digitalised country were found to be catastrophic.  The study therefore recommends the need for the bridging of the digital divide, emplacement of appropriate mechanisms for enlightenment of users of systems in the cyberspace on cybersecurity and the strengthening of the doctrine of collective security as well as instituting conventions to regulate the usage of the cyberspace and conduct of CW/CA to guarantee global peace and security.