The United Nations Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) completed its seventh session last month on the security and use of information and communication technologies. The session was carried out in New York, and on the agenda were proposals to push the parameters of responsible behavior in the face of increasing cyber threats and the capability-building initiatives.
As we know, the global cyber scenario is changing, and after cybercriminal groups, state-sponsored cyberattacks are evident. Important service structures are at the target of these attacks, as many country members noted the cyber threat against core infrastructure. Looking at this scenario, it is easy to predict that the situation can escalate to a global security challenge.
AI in the limelight at OEWG
Artificial intelligence was pointed out as a key technology that can be misused for cyberattacks, like a gun in the wrong hands. A delegate from Portugal portrayed that AI can be employed throughout antagonists, which will allow outlaw states to manipulate advaced technology for offensives. The list goes on, which discussed from cloud computing to IoT devices (internet of things) along with LLMs (large language models) as they can be used to develop vicious malware that is utilized for cyber attacks.
Belgium discussed that people are affected by the increasing number and finisse of cyber attacks, which is the human cost we pay as a society when crucial infrastructure suffers. The UK suggested the inclusion of cyber attack victims in the working groups in the future, while Belgium suggested victim assistance programs to be designed. South Africa also emphasized the potential misuse of AI and the formation of regional groups to mitigate the threats.
Consensus on continuity of dialogue
The OEWG chair for the group also published a paper on tangible measures. The paper was appreciated by the delegates, with a little criticism over the repetition of measures suggested. Cyberspace comes under international law, this point has already been agreed upon by countries back in 2013, but its implementation strategy has yet to be decided.
The mandate of the OEWG is expiring next year, in 2025, so there is a factor of urgent consensus on the matters of future dialogue. But Russia proposed the extension of the OEWG permanently to suggest and implement rules and guidelines to be adopted by international law to regulate cyberspace. Keeping this scenario in perspective, states will have to find common ground of interest to continue the process of dialogue and finally find ways to agree on rules and regulations to curtail the cyber threat.
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