The increase of international cyber terrorism in recent years, has resulted in electronic-based criminal activities that procreates worldwide fear, destruction and disruption. National laws and policies that address cyber terrorism, are principally limited to developed nations. Given the absence of an international legal framework to address cyber terrorism, authorities and governments around the world face extreme challenges in finding and prosecuting those responsible for cyber terrorism. The lack of international regulation and enforcement agency on cyber terrorist attacks, individual countries have to rely on their domestic laws to take legal actions. The complexity or sometimes incapacity to prosecute has caused, cyber terrorists operating in jurisdictions outside the country. Existing conventions and treaties that have been ratified by countries provides a strong foundation upon which international collaboration can be based. This article advocates for the need of a cohesive international legal framework; highlights the key elements to establish an effective international legal framework; and identifies existing international treaties and cross-border agreements that could be expanded to provide legislative guidelines for prosecution.
Cyber Terrorism, International legislation, National Security
