Written by: Grace Cheong
RIYADH: DISEC seems to finally be overcoming walls in addressing cybersecurity which lies in the grey area as blocs can be seen to be coming together to advocate for collective action, yet this potentially sidelines crucial players.
Previous discussions attempted to propose various methods like a joint simulation exercise, creating an independent committee of “white hackers” and the sharing of information between MEDCs and LEDCs. It is with great pleasure that the USA’s bloc announced a draft resolution on Tuesday afternoon, including the former suggestion under the title of a “Global Cyber-defence Simulation” and even a universal convention on cyber etiquette. The sharing of information however, remains a contentious issue as Cambodia butts heads with major players over the (mis)use of information provided by LEDCs to MEDCs for each nation’s gain, neglecting the bigger picture.
While the issue is multifaceted in nature, nations can breathe in relief as the initial tensions over the definition of cyber warfare have been resolved. With this ambitious plan from the USA’s bloc, nations should seek to deepen ties and reach greater cooperation to take into account the needs and concerns of LEDCs such as Cambodia which lack infrastructure to tackle the issue at the same level as MEDCs. This would further ensure greater harmony at the global level given that North Korea and Russia have already expressed their willingness to cooperate.
Image sourced from: https://www.businessinsider.com/video-people-easily-climb-us-mexico-border-fence-2019-12