Presentations

Legal    Limits    of    Proactive    Actions:    Coreflood    Botnet    Example”,    International    Botnets    Fighting Alliance / Alliance Internationale de Lutte Contre les Botnets, France-Nantes, 05-06 December 2013

The Coreflood botnet was one of the longest-running cyber threats, active from 2002 and responsible for DDoS attacks, bank fraud, and data theft. With over 2.3 million infected computers, including government agencies, financial institutions, hospitals, and universities, its full financial impact remains unknown.

Operation and Legal Intervention

In response to the cyber threat, five command-and-control (C&C) servers and 29 domain names were seized under a court order. The operation involved:

• Issuing a remote "exit" command to stop the malware.

• Sending 19,000 uninstall commands to infected computers.

• Coordinating with ISPs and antivirus vendors to mitigate further infections.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

The case raised critical legal questions about government intervention in cybersecurity:

• Actions were limited to stopping, notifying, and seeking consent from affected users.

• Courts justified the operation by citing continuing harm to users if the malware remained active.

• The case highlighted the tension between privacy rights and public security in a digital landscape.

Conclusion

The Coreflood case illustrates the challenges of combating cyber threats within legal frameworks. It underscores the need for clear regulations on government-led cybersecurity interventions while ensuring both privacy protection and public safety.

“IT Revolution and Diplomacy: Challenges, Opportunities and Risks”, Diplomacy in the 21st Century, Durham University, Foreign & Commonwealth Office and Chevening, UK-Durham, 17 April 2015

The rapid advancement of information technologies (IT) has reshaped diplomacy, introducing new players, skills, risks, and opportunities. This transformation is driven by the increasing use of digital tools, real-time communication, and social media platforms.

The Rise of New Players

Diplomacy is no longer exclusive to states and professional diplomats. With the advent of social media, citizen diplomacy has emerged, allowing individuals and non-state actors to engage in international discussions. High-profile cases, such as Twitter diplomacy, exemplify how digital platforms have altered traditional diplomatic interactions.

The Rise of New Skills

Modern diplomats must possess technical proficiency in digital tools and social media. The concept of "entrepreneurial diplomats" highlights the necessity for professionals to facilitate global networks, organize virtual conferences, and maintain an online presence. Real-time diplomacy has replaced the slower-paced diplomatic methods of the past, demanding instant reactions and strategic digital engagement.

Opportunities and Risks

While digital diplomacy enhances efficiency and global connectivity, it also presents challenges such as cybersecurity threats, misinformation, and the risk of instant reactions leading to diplomatic missteps. Secure communication channels and encryption technologies are essential for mitigating these risks.

Conclusion

The integration of IT in diplomacy is irreversible. Governments and diplomats must adapt to this new era by embracing digital diplomacy strategies, ensuring security, and mastering emerging technologies. The future of diplomacy will be shaped by those who can effectively leverage digital tools while maintaining the core principles of international relations.