The Russia–Ukraine cyberwar has upended a number of existing preconceptions about cyber conflict in an active war.

With the proliferation of Artificial Intelligence, the weapons of war are becoming more technologically equipped, which is changing the battlefield scenarios, as seen in Russia’s current incursion in Ukraine.

Cyberconflict in Ukraine has become normalised in that it is focused, there is no lasting damage, and it effectively conveys a sense of helplessness to the affected government and population. At the same time, it signals to other governments that they are not impervious to such attacks.

With the adoption of varied digital means in times of pandemic, the states are likely to witness increased cyberattacks. Absence of an effective response would only mean an open playground for perpetrators.

The UNGGE process is the least bad option to keep open channels and maintain continued focus on securing cyberspace.