Describe GERMANY’s International cyber policy.
A policy need not be formally adopted, espoused, or distributed. A policy can be evidenced by actions in both the domestic and international arena. The absence of a “formal” cyber policy doesn’t mean a country is not a good candidate for this assignment.
Identify and describe the primary motivation(s) for the policy.
Identify and describe any limitations on the country’s ability to implement its policy and meet its policy goals.
Identify the most likely cyber threat (real or perceived) to that country.
Explain steps that country could take to better achieve its policies
If you cannot address the above for the country you choose, you should reconsider your choice .
Students have broad leeway to develop this paper as they see fit, as long as it addresses the above. However, the ideal paper will not only satisfy the above requirements, but may also:
Consider the country’s participation in any international agreements or treaties and how that may impact their policy and its implementation.
Consider not only governmental actions, but any possible role for the private sector.
Identify any events, especially but not exclusively cyber, that may have helped shape the country’s cyber policy.
Identify and discuss the country’s treatment of cyber actors within its borders, and how that treatment reflects either formal or informal policy.
Identify what information or what part of cyberspace the country considers to be “sovereign” and over which it espouses a right and/or duty to maintain control or jurisdiction.
Explain whether the country views cyber attack on another state as a legitimate exercise of its right to self defense, an act of war, or both.
There are differing definitions of Cyber Policy. For the purpose of this paper, cyber policy means the combination of legal, diplomatic, and procedural steps and positions taken by a country (through either action or declaration) to protect its cyber infrastructure from cyber attacks, safeguard information, and respond to cyber attacks. Your focus should be on external / international / outward-facing policies, recognizing that domestic policy is usually strongly reflected in international policy, and vice-versa.
Full Answer Section
- Cyber threat information sharing: Germany shares cyber threat information with other countries in order to help them prevent and respond to cyber attacks.
- Cybersecurity research and development: Germany supports research and development in cybersecurity in order to stay ahead of the curve on cyber threats.
Limitations on Germany's Ability to Implement Its Cyber Policy
Germany faces a number of challenges in implementing its international cyber policy, including:
- Resource constraints: Germany has a relatively small cybersecurity budget compared to other countries.
- Lack of coordination: There is a lack of coordination between different government agencies and the private sector on cybersecurity matters.
- Complexity of the internet: The internet is a complex and global system, which makes it difficult to develop and implement effective cybersecurity measures.
Most Likely Cyber Threat to Germany
The most likely cyber threat to Germany is a sophisticated cyber attack from a state actor. Germany is a major economic and political power, and it is therefore a target for state-sponsored cyber attacks.
Steps Germany Could Take to Better Achieve Its Cyber Policy Goals
Germany could take the following steps to better achieve its international cyber policy goals:
- Increase investment in cybersecurity: Germany should increase its investment in cybersecurity in order to strengthen its defenses against cyber attacks.
- Improve coordination: Germany should improve coordination between different government agencies and the private sector on cybersecurity matters.
- Promote international cooperation: Germany should continue to promote international cooperation on cybersecurity in order to build trust between states and develop common norms for behavior in cyberspace.
Germany's Participation in International Agreements and Treaties
Germany is a signatory to a number of international agreements and treaties that are relevant to cybersecurity, including:
- Tallinn Manual 2.0 on the International Law Applicable to Cyber Operations: This manual provides guidance on the international law applicable to cyber operations.
- Cybersecurity Capacity Building Framework: This framework was developed by the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise to help countries strengthen their cybersecurity capabilities.
- Budapest Convention on Cybercrime: This convention provides a framework for international cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of cybercrime.
Role for the Private Sector
The private sector plays an important role in Germany's international cyber policy. The private sector owns and operates much of the critical infrastructure that is essential to Germany's economy and society. The private sector also has a wealth of expertise in cybersecurity.
Germany works with the private sector to promote cybersecurity in a number of ways, including:
- Information sharing: Germany shares cyber threat information with the private sector in order to help them prevent and respond to cyber attacks.
- Public-private partnerships: Germany has formed a number of public-private partnerships to address cybersecurity challenges.
- Cybersecurity standards: Germany supports the development and implementation of cybersecurity standards.
Events That May Have Shaped Germany's Cyber Policy
A number of events have helped to shape Germany's international cyber policy, including:
- Stuxnet attack: The Stuxnet attack was a sophisticated cyber attack that targeted Iran's nuclear program. The attack highlighted the potential damage that can be caused by cyber attacks and the need for better cybersecurity measures.
- Edward Snowden revelations: The Edward Snowden revelations exposed the extent of US surveillance activities in cyberspace. The revelations damaged trust between states and led to calls for greater transparency and accountability in cyberspace.
- Russian interference in the 2016 US elections: The Russian interference in the 2016 US elections highlighted the potential for cyber attacks to be used to influence elections. The attack led to calls for greater vigilance and resilience against cyber attacks.
Treatment of Cyber Actors
Germany takes a proactive approach to addressing cyber threats. Germany has a number of laws and regulations in place to address cybercrime. Germany also has a number of agencies that are responsible for cybersecurity, including the Federal
Sample Answer
Germany's International Cyber Policy
Germany's international cyber policy is guided by the following principles:
- Sovereignty: Germany asserts its sovereignty in cyberspace and the right to govern its own digital infrastructure.
- Openness: Germany promotes an open and interoperable internet.
- Security: Germany seeks to protect its citizens and critical infrastructure from cyber attacks.
- Cooperation: Germany believes that international cooperation is essential to addressing cyber challenges.
Germany is a member of a number of international organizations that are working to develop and implement cyber norms, including the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise. Germany is also a signatory to the Tallinn Manual 2.0 on the International Law Applicable to Cyber Operations.
Germany's international cyber policy is focused on the following areas:
- Cyber diplomacy: Germany works to promote international cooperation on cybersecurity and to build trust between states in cyberspace.
- Cybersecurity capacity building: Germany provides assistance to other countries to help them strengthen their cybersecurity capabilities.