Amid Growing Cybersecurity Threats, Rule of Law in Digital Sphere Critical to Ensure New Technologies Are Used for Common Good, Secretary-General Tells Security Council

Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks to the UN Security Council’s high-level debate on “Maintenance of International Peace and Security:  Addressing Evolving Threats in Cyberspace”, in New York today:

I thank the Republic of Korea for convening this high-level debate on an issue that affects us all — peace and security in cyberspace.

Breakthroughs in digital technologies are happening at warp speed — from information and communication technologies and cloud computing, to blockchain, 5G networks, quantum technologies and more. 

Digital advances are revolutionizing economies and societies. They are bringing people together. Delivering information, news, knowledge, and education at the tap of a screen or click of a mouse.  Providing citizens with access to government services and institutions.  And supercharging economies, trade and financial inclusion.

But the very quality of seamless, instant connectivity that powers the enormous benefits of cyberspace can also leave people, institutions and entire countries deeply vulnerable.  And the perils of weaponizing digital technologies are growing by the year.

Cyberspace has kicked the doors wide open.  Anyone can walk through.  And many are.  Malicious activity in cyberspace is on the rise by both State and non-State actors, and by outright criminals. 

Serious cybersecurity incidents are disturbingly common.  From breaches of essential public services like health care, banking and telecommunications.  To relentless illicit activity, including by criminal organizations and so-called “cyber mercenaries”.  To a legion of hate merchants littering the information superhighway with fear and division.  To the increasing use of cyberspace as another weapon in ongoing armed conflicts.

So-called civilian “hacktivists” are entering the fray, and in many cases are blurring the line between combatants and civilians.  And the growing integration of digital tools with weapon systems, including autonomous systems, presents new vulnerabilities.

At the same time, the misuse of digital technology is becoming more sophisticated and stealthy.  Malware, wipers and trojans are proliferating.  Artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled cyberoperations are multiplying the threat, and quantum computing could break down entire systems with its ability to breach encryption.  Software vulnerabilities are being exploited and cyberintrusion capabilities are even sold over the Internet.

And companies’ supply chains are being actively targeted by hackers, with serious, disruptive and cascading effects.  Ransomware is one grievous example — a huge threat to public and private institutions and the critical infrastructure people depend on. According to some estimates, total ransomware payments reached $1.1 billion in 2023.

But far beyond the financial costs are the costs to our common peace, security and stability — both within countries and among them.  Malicious activity that undermines public institutions, electoral processes and online integrity erodes trust, fuels tensions, and even sows the seeds of violence and conflict.

Digital technology offers an incredible opportunity to create a more just, equal, sustainable and peaceful future for all.  But breakthroughs must be oriented towards the good.

The New Agenda for Peace places prevention at the heart 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.  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.

I also welcome the General Assembly’s commitment to action in this area.  This includes its dedicated, open-ended working group on information and communication technologies security.  States are building on the universally endorsed normative framework of responsible State behaviour in the use of these technologies.  And they are actively considering the applicability of international law to State activities in this domain.

Also, under the auspices of the General Assembly, Member States are working to reach consensus on a new cybercrime treaty in the coming months, which should deepen cooperation while protecting human rights online.

But given the clear and growing links between cyberspace and global peace and security, this Council can also play a key role by integrating cyber-related considerations into your existing workstreams and resolutions.

This is only the second time the Security Council has held a formal meeting on this issue.  But so many of the issues considered around this table are affected by and linked to cyberspace — including the protection of civilians in armed conflict, peace operations, counter-terrorism and humanitarian operations.  Integrating this issue into your deliberations would be a useful way to lay the groundwork for more effective responses to this important question.

Peace and security in the physical world demand new approaches to peace and security in the digital world.  This September’s Summit of the Future represents a vital opportunity to enhance cooperation on critical global challenges and reinvigorate the multilateral system.

The Pact that will emerge from the Summit represents a pivotal chance to support the maintenance of international peace and security in cyberspace.  Among other priorities, Chapter 2 of the Pact aims to re-affirm global consensus on safeguarding critical infrastructure against harmful information and communications technology (ICT) practices, and creating enhanced accountability for data-driven technology, including artificial intelligence.

Meanwhile, my High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence is completing its final report on how we can govern artificial intelligence for humanity, while addressing its risks and uncertainties.

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.