The Hidden Battlefield – Navigating the Legal Gray Zones of Cyber Conflict - Alba & Rrezearta Thaqi

The rise of civilian hackers engaging in cyber conflict has introduced complex legal and ethical challenges. While cyber attacks have occurred sporadically for years, their scale and impact have grown significantly in modern conflicts. This presentation explores the legal status of cyber operations conducted by non-state actors, particularly in the context of international humanitarian law. It examines how organizations interpret cyber attacks during armed conflict, assessing their potential classification as war crimes or violations of international law. The presentation highlights the risks faced by civilian hackers, including potential prosecution and the possibility of being legally considered combatants under international law. Additionally, the presentation addresses evolving frameworks for regulating cyber operations, the challenges of attribution, and the implications of AI-enhanced cyber weapons. To illustrate these issues, case studies will be presented to examine real-world scenarios and their legal implications. This presentation provides insights into the legal, strategic, and ethical dilemmas of modern cyber conflict, offering guidance for policymakers, military strategists, and civilian participants in digital conflicts.