KUALA LUMPUR, June 28 — Adoption of voluntary, non-binding United Nation cyber norms will reduce risks to international peace, security and stability, said Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
He said norms adoption by UN state members would help to prevent conflict in the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) environment and increase the global social and economic development.
“Norms reflect the expectations of the international community, set standards for responsible state behaviour and allow the international community to assess the activities and intentions of states (members).
“Perhaps, ASEAN could become the champion in implementing all the norms,” he said in the opening speech for ASEAN Cyber Security Forum at the Cyber Defence and Security Exhibition and Conference (CYDES) 2021, held virtually today.
He said ASEAN leaders are committed to strengthening confidence and building measures in safeguarding cyberspace by agreeing to recognise and operationalise the norms.
The United Nations of 11 voluntary, non-binding norms of responsible states behaviour are a set of standards recommended for the states on ways to conduct themselves in cyberspace, aims at preventing conflict between states in the ICT environment and contribute to its peaceful use.
Ismail Sabri said global collaborations and partnerships including information and knowledge sharing, as well as international cooperation and enforcement are crucial to effectively counter evolving cyber threats.
Hence, he said having a regular dialogue and forum to discuss cyber security could assist every ASEAN member state to reach consensus and common understanding in managing the regional cyber security issues.
“In fact, ASEAN leaders’ statement on cyber security cooperation has recognised that cyber security is a cross-cutting issue that requires coordinated expertise from multiple stakeholders.
“It is best if ASEAN member states could have continuous cooperation in sharing experiences and best practices in managing the cyber domain,” he emphasised.
In addition, Ismail Sabri said it is important for each initiative embarked by ASEAN member states to be streamlined with the international initiatives to build trust and confidence globally.
The inaugural CYDES 2021 themed ‘Embedding Resilience Within Our Cyberspace’ is being organised by National Security Council (NSC) and National Cyber Security Agency (NASCA).
Approximately 100 exhibitors and 2,500 trade visitors from 10 countries are participating in CYDES 2021 from June 28 to 30.
