Abstract

The rapid progress of information technology, especially the Internet and giant social networks, has led to the emergence of what are called electronic societies and governance. As a result, a new and unfamiliar type of challenges has emerged called cyber attacks, which pose threats to both developed and developing countries. These attacks have become a major source of concern when we consider their effects and consequences on civilians and the environment if they are carried out on a nuclear facility or energy sources such as the electricity and water grid. This exposes civilians to the risk of being deprived of basic needs. Given the nature of constantly renewed cyber threats, the efforts of international organizations have turned towards what are known as proactive strategies, i.e. predictive ability, meaning the ability to act before reaching the stage where the threatening conditions actually exist, so that these proactive efforts are directed either towards preventing or reducing the threats of these attacks or limiting them. This requires the adoption of effective mechanisms and means to confront them. These mechanisms require foresight to identify the threats that affect individuals, while at the same time providing planning and implementation of procedures that would reduce the threats and damages of attacks on individuals. Hence, we set out in this research to demonstrate the proactive strategies adopted by international organizations to protect individuals from the danger of cyberspace and its effects on human rights.