Twenty-seven nations signed a statement today reaffirming their commitment to constructing a framework for responsible state behavior in cyberspace.
The statement, Advancing Responsible State Behavior in Cyberspace, created a framework for the nations to show their continuing support for the international rules-based order, and encourage its adherence, implementation and further development, including at the ongoing UN negotiations of the Open Ended Working Group and Group of Governmental Experts.
“We support targeted cybersecurity capacity building to ensure that all responsible states can implement this framework and better protect their networks from significant disruptive, destructive or otherwise destabilizing cyber activity. We reiterate that human rights apply and must be respected and protected by states online, as well as offline, including when addressing cybersecurity,” the nations said in a statement issued by the U.S. State Department.
The countries that signed are: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Colombia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, the Republic of Korea, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States.
“This statement provides a support structure for the United States and our allies to further unite and coordinate cyber efforts to defend our infrastructure(s) from nation states and hackers, as well as help to better protect our citizens against ongoing information operations by Russia and other adversaries,” said Rosa Smothers, senior VP of cyber operations at KnowBe4.
The group added it is willing to work together to hold states accountable when they act contrary to these ideals by taking measures that are transparent and consistent with international law.
“There must be consequences for bad behavior in cyberspace,” the pledge stated.
The announcement came as the UN General Assembly was set to meet in New York.
