International humanitarian law is also applicable in cyberspace

As part of an open debate at the UN Security Council, states discussed developments in cyberspace that could pose a threat to international peace. Switzerland emphasised two aspects that require the attention of the international community. On the one hand, the increasing digitalisation of conflicts and military cyber operations can lead to new dimensions of conflict. On the other hand, the increasing intensity of attacks with ransomware and state-sponsored cyberattacks on critical infrastructure are a cause for concern. The use of ransomware to extort foreign currency and crypto assets or targeted attacks on critical infrastructure threaten to disrupt important structures of societies.