At a Security Council high-level debate on evolving threats in cyberspace, convened by the Republic of Korea, Council President for June, Mr. Guterres underscored the transformative energy of digital applied sciences.
“Breakthroughs in digital technologies are happening at warp speed; digital advances are revolutionising economies and societies,” he stated.
“They are bringing people together, providing citizens with access to government services and institutions and supercharging economies, trade and financial inclusion.”
However, he cautioned that the seamless and instantaneous connectivity that fuels these advantages additionally makes folks, establishments and international locations weak.
“The perils of weaponising digital technologies are growing by the year,” he warned.
“Malicious activity in cyberspace is on the rise by both State and non-State actors and by outright criminals.”
Cyber mercenaries, hacktivists
The UN chief warned that malicious cyber actions are on the rise, with severe cybersecurity incidents turning into “disturbingly common”.
Essential public providers comparable to healthcare, banking and telecommunications are regularly breached, and felony organizations and “cyber mercenaries” have interaction in relentless illicit actions.
Additionally, a “legion of hate merchants” is spreading worry and division on-line.
“So called civilian ‘hacktivists’ are entering the fray, and in many cases are blurring the line between combatants and civilians,” he stated.
New vulnerabilities
The integration of digital tools with weapon programs, together with autonomous programs, presents new vulnerabilities, Mr. Guterres stated.
The misuse of digital expertise is turning into extra subtle and stealthier, with proliferation of malware software program. The menace is additional amplified by synthetic intelligence (AI)-enabled cyber operations.
“Ransomware is one grievous example,” the UN chief underscored, “a huge threat to public and private institutions and the critical infrastructure people depend on.”
In 2023, whole ransomware funds reached $1.1 billion.
Beyond monetary prices, malicious cyber actions undermine public establishments, electoral processes and on-line integrity, eroding belief, fuelling tensions and sowing the seeds of violence and battle, he added.
Incredible alternative
Despite the threats, Mr. Guterres emphasised the “incredible opportunity” digital expertise provides to create a extra simply, equal, sustainable and peaceable future.
He referred to as for breakthroughs to be oriented towards the widespread good, highlighting his proposed New Agenda for Peace that locations prevention on the core of all peace efforts.
“It calls for developing strong frameworks in line with international law, human rights and the UN Charter and focused efforts by all States to prevent the extension and escalation of conflicts within and through cyberspace,” he stated.
“As reflected in the New Vision for the Rule of Law, the rule of law must exist in the digital sphere as it does in the physical world.”
The UN Security Council meets to debate the evolving threats in our on-line world.
Call for higher integration
Secretary-General Guterres welcomed the General Assembly’s dedication to motion, together with its devoted working group on data and communication applied sciences (ICT) safety.
He additionally urged the Security Council to combine cyber-related issues into its workstreams and resolutions, underscoring that many points it addresses, such because the safety of civilians, peace operations, counterterrorism and humanitarian operations, are affected by our on-line world.
“Integrating this issue into your deliberations would be a useful way to lay the groundwork for more effective responses to this important question,” he stated.
Summit of the Future
In conclusion, Mr. Guterres harassed the significance of the upcoming Summit of the Future, in September.
“The pact that will emerge from the summit represents a pivotal chance to support the maintenance of international peace and security in cyberspace,” he stated.
Among different actions, it goals to safeguard essential infrastructure towards dangerous ICT practices and create enhanced accountability for data-driven expertise, together with AI.
“I look forward to working with this Council, the General Assembly and all Member States to ensure that technology is focused where it belongs: on the progress and security of all people and the planet we share,” the Secretary-General concluded.
