News Excerpt:
UN chief warns of ‘Cyber mercenaries’ amid a spike in Weaponizing Digital Tools.
More about the news:
- Revolutionary advancements in digital technologies are reshaping economies and societies at an unprecedented pace.
- These technologies are fostering greater connectivity, enabling access to government services, and boosting economic and financial inclusion.
- The very connectivity driving these benefits also exposes vulnerabilities.
- The perils of weaponizing digital technologies are growing by the year leading to a rise in malicious activities in cyberspace by both state and non-state actors, as well as criminals.
Rise of Cyber Mercenaries and Hacktivists:
- "Cyber mercenaries” are criminal organizations hired to conduct illicit activities online and a "legion of hate merchants" spreading fear and division through the internet.
- The UN chief detailed the alarming increase in malicious cyber activities, with cybersecurity incidents becoming "disturbingly common."
- Cyberattacks frequently target essential public services such as healthcare, banking, and telecommunications.
- So-called civilian ‘hacktivists’ are entering the fray, and in many cases are blurring the line between combatants and civilians.
- It involves the complex nature of modern cyber threats where non-state actors play significant roles.
Threats:
- There is a rise of new vulnerabilities from the integration of digital tools with weapon systems, including autonomous systems.
- The misuse of digital technology is becoming more sophisticated and stealthier, with the proliferation of malware and AI-enabled cyber operations.
- Total ransomware payments reached $1.1 billion in 2023, making it a significant threat.
- Beyond financial costs, malicious cyber activities undermine public institutions, electoral processes, and online integrity.
- These actions erode trust, fuel tensions, and sow the seeds of violence and conflict, posing significant challenges to peace and stability.
Way forward:
- United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres urged the UN Security Council to integrate cyber-related considerations into its workstreams and resolutions, underscoring the impact of cyberspace on issues like civilian protection, peace operations, counterterrorism, and humanitarian efforts.
Summit of the Future
- The upcoming ‘Summit of the Future’ in September would be pivotal in supporting international peace and security in cyberspace.
- It aims to safeguard critical infrastructure and enhance accountability for data-driven technology, including AI.
