Abstract
The introduction of the Internet changed the way society functions and prompted substantial innovations
in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) environment. With these technological
innovations also came increased risks associated with cybersecurity and cyberspace. Inevitably, the
practise of diplomacy progressed in line with the increased utilization of ICT systems. Cybersecurity
became a very important part of national and international security deliberations where diplomats are
leading the discussions on the ever expanding and more accessible cyberspace. The capability of
administrations and organizations to react to and operate in this growing cyberspace differs from country
to country as well as from one organization to another. The adaptive practice of diplomacy also created
cyber diplomats and a cyber-diplomacy environment where social media platforms are increasingly used
to attain foreign policy objectives. A literature search seems to indicate that there not sufficient
consideration given to everyday practices to guide these cyber diplomats in the developing domain of
cyber-diplomacy and cybersecurity awareness should be a priority amongst diplomats of all countries.
This study will focus predominantly on how cyber diplomacy capacity can be created in developing
countries because initial research proposes that there is a gap between the prevailing and required
cyber-diplomacy and cybersecurity awareness levels of diplomats. The objective of the research is to
present a usable cyber-diplomacy and cybersecurity awareness framework (CDAF) to prepare
diplomats from developing countries to contribute more towards discussions in the global cyberdiplomacy
domain.