Application of the Just War Theory in Cyberwarfare and Ethical Solutions to the Use of Cyber Weapons

Cyberspace has provided new possibilities for the exchange of information that can be considered a key element for the development of life. On the other hand, it has become a new weapon and a suitable platform for war. Some argue that one of the features of cyberwarfare is that it can be more ethical than traditional warfare because it causes less damage and the resulting damage is easily compensable. In recent years, due to the expansion of the use of cyber weapons, new and serious ethical issues have arisen in this area. The ethics of using cyber weapons and whether the theory of just war also applies to cyberwarfare is a serious question. In this article, in addition to examining the application of the just war theory in cyberwarfare, strategies for the ethical use of cyber weapons are addressed. Such solutions include: using the just war theory in accordance with cyber warfare, designing reversible attacks, designing and using controllable cyber weapons, training cyber army experts, non-arbitrary participation of civilians in cyberwarfare, mobilization of people, teaching ethical issues of cyberwarfare, and moral education from childhood. According to studies, the just war theory is necessary for cyberwarfare, but it is not enough, and governments and the international community should seek to establish ethical and legal principles specific to cyberwarfare.