A research study towards the improvement of human security and peace in cyberspace
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Abstract
The ever-increasing dependence on the internet for the performance of human functions blurs some distinctions between physical and virtual worlds. Tasks like the performance of surgical procedures in hospitals depend on digital tools for efficient and effective health delivery. Still, society is witnessing both new forms of violence and the transposition of violent forms from the physical world to the cyber world. Cyberspace provides an easier option for harm to be caused to individuals because both state and non-state actors can extend their actions beyond their physical reach; commercial spyware is being deployed against political opponents in many countries. Without obtaining express consent, some organizations may be involved in trading the personal data of clients for business gains. During all these, the search for cyber peace has become difficult because of divergent views on what constitutes cyberviolence and the potency of cyber weapons. This research seeks to integrate discussions among scholars and the perspectives of some cybersecurity practitioners on cyber peace and violence. The decision to interrogate cyber peace and violence from the perspectives of cyber-security practitioners will contribute towards building some stability for these evolving concepts within the peace and conflict doctrines. Four cybersecurity professionals were interviewed on the subject. The basic human needs theory, human rights, and social justice theories are used to interrogate the understanding of cyber peace and violence. The results indicate that cyber harms targeting both state and non-state actors and installations should be considered in conflict analysis. This approach helps to enhance the concept of positive and negative cyber peace as possibilities.