Defence, Deterrence and Diplomatic Efforts Crucial for Cyber Security and Stability

February 11, 2016

New Delhi: The 18th Asian Security Conference on ‘Securing Cyberspace: Asian and International Perspectives’, at the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA), concluded today on the note that defence, deterrence, along with multilateral diplomatic efforts are crucial for long-term cyber security and stability. Creating cyber security awareness among the people and adhering to cyber security hygiene are equally important.

Security of critical internet infrastructure and capacity building through information sharing, R&D and infrastructure building were the important suggestions to counter cyber threats that emerged from the three-day conference. Describing cyberspace as the fifth domain- after land, sea, air, and outer space, speakers insisted on the need for prioritisation of cyber threats to come up with a multi-pronged cyber strategy, where its benefits outweigh its pitfalls.

Confidence building and creating mutual trust were also cited as an important measure to counter cyber threats. Statements of doctrines and policies on the part of governments could bring in clarity and confidence between States, it was pointed out. Instead of becoming a part of an on-going ‘cyber arms race’, nations should focus on building mutual confidence. Diplomatic efforts to create internationally accepted norms and rules regarding cyber aggression could be made more effective in actively addressing the core problems of international cyber aggression, noted eminent panellists of the conference.

With the cyber security threat landscape changing rapidly, collaboration is required at national, regional and, global level to tackle it.

Discussing cyber security concerns of the future, the speakers noted that the concerns may primarily revolve around traditional and non-traditional areas like health care, consumer devices built on IOT’s, hybrid warfare, access to governmental information and cyber weapons by outside organisations, or a breach in nuclear or space security.

Reflecting on the military dominance of traditional great powers, the speakers noted that it has caused adversaries and competitors to adapt in a variety of ways to confront this strategic advantage. Cyber capabilities are most notably used as a tool to gain leverage in international security, challenging the traditional military capabilities and doctrine. While nations are developing their arsenals of defensive and offensive cyber weapons, most cyber problems remain in the “grey area” beneath clear military action, response to which needs proper preparedness and resilience, but also adequate international containment and de-escalation mechanisms.

Around 30 speakers from 17 countries from five continents participated in the conference to analyse international and regional responses to cyber security and to consider the scope for cooperation amidst varying national policy frameworks and legislations.