A Call to Action on Advancing Cyberstability: Global Commission Launches Final Report

[news release] The Global Commission on the Stability of Cyberspace (GCSC) issued today [12 Nov] its final report Advancing Cyberstability, as part of a panel held at the 2019 Paris Peace Forum. Stef Blok, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, Jean-Yves Le Drian, Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, and David Koh, Chief Executive, Cyber Security Agency of Singapore, launched the report and placed the findings in the context of ongoing global efforts to enhance international security in cyberspace. Commission Co-Chairs, Michael Chertoff and Latha Reddy, along with former Chair Marina Kaljurand, presented recommendations and commented on the strategic approach and work of the GCSC.

This report represents the culmination of the Commission’s work over
the last three years, offering a cyberstability framework, principles,
norms of behavior, and recommendations for the international community
and wider ecosystem.

“Earlier this year, 28 EU-member states backed a framework for
sanctions targeting malicious cyber activities. Today, the GCSC
consolidates a set of norms and principles for behavior of state and
non-state actors. This is an important contribution to a digital space
in which order and peace must prevail,” commented Stef Blok, Minister of
Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, a co-founder of the GCSC. “Since
stability in cyberspace is directly linked with stability in the ‘real
world,’ such a cyberstability framework is more crucial than ever. The
next step in this multilateral process is to collect evidence and hold
those who break the rules responsible. Together we must increase
accountability and combine all pieces of the puzzle, between
governments, tech and security firms, and civil society.”

The work of the Commission originated out of a desire to address
rising social and political instability as a result of malicious actions
in cyberspace. The situation has further deteriorated as evidenced by
the rise in the number and sophistication of cyber attacks by state and
non-state actors, which increasingly puts the considerable benefits of
cyberspace at risk. In this increasingly volatile environment, there is
an apparent lack of mutual understanding and awareness among communities
working on issues related to international cybersecurity. With this
report, the GCSC seeks to contribute to international efforts to address
these challenges.

“Cyberstability and governance are inextricably and naturally
linked,” added Michael Chertoff, GCSC Co-Chair. “As the digital age
evolves so rapidly, governments and societies lack the desired level of
exchange, let alone the decision-making processes needed to ensure the
stability of cyberspace. The GCSC’s effort complements the work of other
organizations, and will serve to influence how critical actors can
engage with one another and collaborate towards a stable cyberspace.”

Emphasizing a concerted, multistakeholder approach, the framework
reflects technological, product and operational measures, as well as a
focus on behavioral change required among all stakeholders.

“The publication of this final report is not the end, but rather the
beginning of a new profound effort toward implementing the suggested
principles, norms, and recommendations,” stated Latha Reddy, GCSC
Co-Chair. “The onus is on all stakeholders—governments, industry, civil
society—to collaborate, adopt and implement accepted practices to help
strengthen cyberstability. The stakes are higher than ever, which
dictates a response in kind.”

Following the release, the GCSC members will continue to advocate and
engage with their respective communities. Input and feedback from these
groups were reflective of interactions with both state and non-state
experts and will form the basis of advocating for the report going
forward.

For an overview, see the Fact Sheet and for a copy of the report, visit Advancing Cyberstability.

About the Commission

Launched at the 2017 Munich Security Conference, the mission of the Global Commission on the Stability of Cyberspace is to develop proposals for norms and policies to enhance international security and stability and guide responsible state and non-state behavior in cyberspace. The Commission helps to promote mutual awareness and understanding among the various cyberspace communities working on issues related to international cybersecurity. For more information, please visit www.cyberstability.org.

This news release was sourced from: https://cyberstability.org/news/a-call-to-action-on-advancing-cyberstability-global-commission-launches-final-report/