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Relieving the Global Cybercrime Problem
Kalee Herman
Liberty University
ENGL 101
Prof. Timothy Shea
September 9, 2024
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Relieving the Global Cybercrime Problem
Cybercrime has become one of the most pressing issues of the modern era, with experts
warning that it threatens every sector of society. As Ginni Rometty, former CEO of IBM, aptly
noted, “Cybercrime is the greatest threat to every company in the world” (Rometty, 2015). The
rise of new technologies has enabled criminals to stay anonymous, making it easier for them to
commit crimes on a global scale. These threats are not limited to individuals; they affect global
economies, disrupt national security, and compromise the privacy and safety of citizens all from
the comfort of their home. To effectively combat the escalating global cybercrime problem,
nations must prioritize creating and enforcing a unified international cybersecurity framework.
We should invest in advanced threat detection technologies and create public-private
partnerships to enhance global cybersecurity resilience.
Not all countries agree with one another, and we can seem to see eye to eye with most.
One of the biggest challenges in establishing a unified international cybersecurity framework is
the diversity of legal systems and national interests. Countries often disagree on how to define
and regulate cybercrime, making global collaboration difficult (Clough, 2015). Differing
perspectives on privacy, freedom of expression, and national security make the process very
difficult. Despite these obstacles, creating an international coalition could be key to combating
cybercrime. By pooling resources and expertise, nations can work together to address the cross-
border nature of cyber threats (Singer & Friedman, 2014). International collaboration has been
successful in the past, particularly in areas like combating terrorism and human trafficking.
Efforts like the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime and NATO's Cooperative Cyber Defense
initiative have shown that, while difficult, international cooperation on complex issues is
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possible and can lead to meaningful progress (Schmitt, 2013). These precedents suggest that a
unified approach to cybersecurity could similarly reduce the global impact of cybercrime.
As cyberthreats continue to evolve with advancing technology, the risks posed by AI-
driven cyberattacks and ransomware are becoming more prevalent. Cybercriminals are
increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence to launch sophisticated attacks that can bypass
traditional security measures, making it important to stay ahead of these emerging threats. "As
cyberattacks become more sophisticated, so must our defenses. Artificial intelligence and
machine learning will play pivotal roles in detecting and mitigating threats in real-time" (U.S.
Department of Homeland Security, 2018). However, the same technologies that people use to
commit cybercrime can be used to improve cybersecurity. AI can be used for advanced threat
detection, allowing for real-time identification of vulnerabilities and attacks before they can
cause significant damage. Additionally, implementing blockchain technology offers robust data
protection by creating a decentralized, tamper-proof system that enhances security and
transparency. Beyond technological advancements, educating individuals and organizations on
the nature of cybercrime and how to protect themselves is crucial. By teaching people how to use
cybersecurity tools and raising awareness of the risks, we can significantly reduce the impact of
cyberattacks on a global scale.
Collaboration between private and public sectors is crucial for effectively combating
cybercrime. Governments have access to intelligence and resources that private companies may
lack, while the private sector often possesses cutting-edge technologies and real-time data on
cyber threats. By sharing intelligence and resources, both parties can create a more robust
defense against cybercriminals. As Carr (2016) notes, “public–private partnerships in national
cyber-security strategies are essential for addressing the growing complexity of cyber threats.”
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To foster these partnerships, it is important to develop platforms that facilitate communication
and coordination between government agencies and private enterprises. Creating joint teams that
can respond quickly to cyber threats will allow for more comprehensive and coordinated action.
Successful partnerships, such as the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act (CISA) and global
cybersecurity alliances, demonstrate how public-private collaboration can strengthen
cybersecurity efforts. These initiatives have proven that combining the strengths of both sectors
can result in more effective strategies for preventing and responding to cyberattacks.
International cooperation is vital to combating global cybercrime, but several political
and economic barriers make collaboration difficult. One of the most significant challenges is the
lack of trust between nations, as "the greatest obstacle to achieving international cybersecurity
cooperation is the lack of trust between nations" (Tallinn Manual on the International Law
Applicable to Cyber Warfare, 2013). Some countries are hesitant to share sensitive cybersecurity
data, fearing it could compromise their national security or be used against them. Additionally,
the cost of implementing advanced cybersecurity measures poses a substantial economic burden,
particularly for smaller or developing nations. Beyond these political and economic hurdles,
technological and ethical concerns also arise. Rapid advancements in technology make it
difficult to create legal frameworks that protect both cybersecurity and civil liberties, such as
privacy and freedom of expression. To address these challenges, diplomatic efforts are needed to
foster trust and cooperation, while regulatory approaches must be carefully balanced to protect
both security and individual rights. Establishing clear ethical guidelines will be key to
overcoming these obstacles and achieving effective international cybersecurity collaboration.
In conclusion, tackling the global cybercrime problem requires a comprehensive
approach that emphasizes international collaboration, technological advancements, and strong
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partnerships between public and private sectors. A unified international cybersecurity framework
is essential to bridging the gap between nations, while the use of emerging technologies like AI
and blockchain can enhance our defenses. Additionally, partnerships between governments and
businesses play a critical role in sharing intelligence and resources to combat cyber threats more
effectively. As the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) states, "Cybersecurity is
a shared responsibility. We must all play our part in creating a safer, more secure digital world."
Cybercrime affects everyone, and only through global cooperation, innovation, and proactive
measures can we reduce the threat and create a safer digital environment for future generations.
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References
Rometty, G. (2015). Security will remain the greatest issue of our time. IBM. Retrieved from
https://www.ibm.com
Clough, J. (2015). (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press.Principles of cybercrime
Singer, P. W., & Friedman, A. (2014). Cybersecurity and cyberwar: What everyone needs to
know. Oxford University Press.
Schmitt, M. N. (Ed.). (2013). Tallinn manual on the international law applicable to cyber
warfare. Cambridge University Press.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security. (2018). . Artificial intelligence and cybersecurity
Retrieved from https://www.dhs.gov
Carr, M. (2016). Public–private partnerships in national cyber-security strategies. International
Affairs, 92(1), 43–62. https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-2346.12504
Tallinn Manual on the International Law Applicable to Cyber Warfare. (2013).
European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA). (n.d.). Cybersecurity is a shared
responsibility. Retrieved from https://www.enisa.europa.eu
