Why is international cooperation necessary for investigating cybercrime and cyberattacks?

International cooperation is essential for investigating cybercrime and cyberattacks primarily because of the nonlocal nature of these activities. Because the internet is a planet-spanning network, criminal actions often occur across jurisdictions separated by vast distances, allowing perpetrators to exploit different legal systems and find hiding places in various countries.1

When cyberattacks cross national boundaries, law enforcement agencies face significant challenges in tracking suspects, gathering electronic evidence, and coordinating responses. International treaties, such as the Council of Europe’s Convention on Cybercrime (the Budapest Convention) and the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, provide the necessary frameworks to facilitate cross-border cooperation, share evidence, and provide technical assistance.12

Without such cooperation, it is difficult to effectively prosecute offenses or follow the digital clues left by cybercriminals across sovereign borders. Furthermore, establishing common rules remains complex due to differing national legal systems, strategic interests, and varying perspectives on issues like digital sovereignty and cyber espionage.12