The ambiguity of cyberspace and modern technologies pose serious challenges, among others to the applicability of international law. States’ threat perception, interest, and technological development determine states’ position over the applicability of international law to cyber defense operations. Today, it is well established that international law of armed conflict and international human rights law apply to cyber defense operations in armed conflict. The article explores how the differences between these two complementary bodies of the law will reflect in the protection of the right to life and could provide challenges and uncertainties to the decision-makers during the interpretation of their applicability in the future cyber defense operations.