Cyber attribution is seen as the cornerstone of effective deterrence in cyberspace. Yet, since the state does not have a monopoly on cyber capabilities, it relies heavily on the collaboration with...Show moreCyber attribution is seen as the cornerstone of effective deterrence in cyberspace. Yet, since the state does not have a monopoly on cyber capabilities, it relies heavily on the collaboration with the private sector for effective attribution. Despite this, the private sector has been largely excluded from discussions on shaping national cyberdeterrence strategies. As such, this thesis aims to bridge this gap by incorporating perspectives from the private sector, exploring the dynamics of public- private collaboration on cyber attribution and its impact on deterrence in cyberspace. Through interviews with private sector experts and analysis of existing literature, the research indicates that robust attribution capabilities and credible cross-domain retaliation are crucial for effective deterrence. Moreover, while the technical challenges of attribution can be mitigated with expertise and resources, legal complexities remain significant obstacles. The study also finds that the collaboration between public and private sectors improves attribution efforts, which, in turn, supports deterrence. However, divergent institutional frames present challenges to seamless cooperation. Overall, the findings suggest that, although there are inherent challenges, strategic improvements in attribution capabilities and collaborative efforts can significantly improve the success of cyberdeterrence. This calls for continuous refinement of deterrence strategies in response to legal and technical complexities, as well as the evolving cyber threat landscape.Show less