This article reveals that there is no binding legal International Law Convention stricto sensu that regulates cyberwarfare in the International Community. This article aims to succinctly evaluate the existing legal framework stricto sensu against the cyberwarfare particularly as it relates to aggression and self-defense by addressing the question 'Is there a binding International Law Convention that regulates cyberwarfare'?, using the qualitative method and data from both primary and secondary sources. However, cyberwarfare does not feature prominently in the Geneva Conventions and its Additional Protocols due to the absence of cyber-based weapons of war during the last century. These Conventions and Protocols served as the primary international legal framework on the conduct of armed conflicts – and it evolved with the development of warfare and weapons of war. Prior to the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols, there was no overarching international legal framework aimed at the conduct of armed conflicts. With a broad umbrella encapsulating a computer virus capable of disrupting the financial/stock market, shutting off a nuclear reactor, and/or causing a blackout in a country’s air traffic control system are all capable of causing economic or physical damage. The growth of technology has given rise to the concepts of ‘Cyber-Attacks’ and ‘Cyberwarfare’. Today, armed conflicts between countries, and Non-State Actors have taken on yet a newer dimension.

These platforms have rapidly developed from conventional gravity bombs to Unmanned Area Vehicles (UAVs) and guided missiles. Inter-country confrontations in the international community have evolved from a traditional approach to war into domain-based and platform-based conflicts.

Kings University Odeomu, Nigeria University of Haifa, IsraelĪggression, Self-defense, International Humanitarian Law, Cyber Warfare, Cyberattack.

Cyber warfare law of armed conflict