UN security council discusses the threat of cyberattacks
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The UN Security Council holds its first formal meeting to discuss cybersecurity, addressing the growing concerns over hacking and its repercussions over the countries' infrastructures.
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UN Security Council Discusses The Threat Of Cyberattacks
Tuesday, the United Nations Security Council held its first formal public meeting on cybersecurity, during which Washington demanded respect for a framework established at the United Nations, while Moscow defended the conclusion of a treaty in this regard.
"The danger is clear and we all share this responsibility," said US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield, adding that the framework developed by States must now be put into practice without referring to Russia, which the West often accuses of being "behind acts of piracy targeting the United Nations."
A European ambassador, who opted to remain anonymous, explained that within the First Committee on Disarmament at the United Nations, "it was agreed in 2015 to refrain from any malicious cyber activity against the vital infrastructure of all UN member states."
During the summit that brought together US President Joe Biden and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Geneva on June 16, Biden identified 16 sectors that cannot be targeted, starting with the energy sector and ending with water distribution networks.
In his turn, the Russian Ambassador to the United Nations, Vasily Nebenzya, praised Russia's proactive role in combating cybercrime, calling for the adoption of new standards through a draft of a legally binding agreement to be approved by 2023.
"If everyone is equal in the face of ICT (Information and CommunicationsTechnology) threats, then the issue should be discussed by all States, not just those which are technologically advanced," the Russian diplomat added.
The Russian Ambassador further commented by saying that cyberspace, both civil and military, has a dual-use and is not a regular topic that can fall within the field of arms control. He discussed the futility of a cybersecurity treaty since it cannot be fully verified, calling for a more innovative approach.
"In Estonia’s view, existing international law applies in cyberspace, with States accountable for any acts that contravene their obligations,” said Estonia's Prime Minister, Kaja Kallas.
The French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade, Franck Riester, proposed a program of action to implement the approved standards, saying, “We do not want to see a digital Wild West.”
It is noteworthy that the Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations for Disarmament Affairs, Izumi Nakamitsu, indicated that the number of active Internet users around the world reached 4.6 billion people in January of this year. By 2022, 28.5 billion devices will be connected to the Internet, a significant increase from the 18 billion counted in 2017.
