Cybersecurity capacities for the application of UN cyber norms

In 2015, the UN General Assembly agreed a set of norms of responsible state behaviour in cyberspace. These norms can only have relevance if states develop the cybersecurity capacities required to implement them. This paper explores the relationship between the application of the UN Cyber Norms, and national cybersecurity capacity. The research is based on review of the existing literature and consultation with experts in the matter. We present a preliminary identification and consolidation of the relevant cybersecurity capacities for implementing and adhering to the UN Cyber Norms. The results allow us to identify areas of capacity on which only limited attention so far has been focused. Moreover, we analyse the contextual factors and challenges that will influence the application of the UN Cyber Norms by nations, and propose a model for understanding the interaction of such factors on state application of Norms. Finally, we make recommendations for international community cooperation, particularly on the key areas where further discourse and stakeholder collaboration will be essential.