The global fight against commercial spyware
25
October 2023 — 6:00PM TO 7:00PM
Anonymous (not verified)
2 August 2023
Chatham House and Online

How can governments fight the marketplace for hostile cyber actors?

The emergence of a ‘hacking-for-hire’ marketplace over recent years points to the growing interest in sought-after hostile cyber expertise worldwide. State and non-state actors are increasingly looking to professionals from the burgeoning illegal hacking industry to conduct their illicit cyber operations. Whether it’s spyware scandals, communications infiltration, information theft, corporate espionage, or disinformation campaigns, this murky industry is experiencing a boom.

To combat this digital scourge, there are increasing calls to build out more nuanced policy options. Governments and authorities are looking to evolve their approaches to tackle the sale of digital disruption. From a focus on exploiting economic levers, such as shareholder or investor pressure, to increasing human rights compliance by such companies, options are being explored.

Key questions for the panel to consider include:

• How are states working with ‘hackers-for-hire’?

• Where can the technology sector and government work smarter to reduce threats?

• Is there global appetite for countries to adopt an international legal framework to tackle the problem?

As with all member events, questions from the audience drive the conversation.

Source: Chathamhouse Events