- India and Australia agreed to enhance current cybersecurity measures and frame new policies to tackle growing rising cyberthreats
- Cooperation through expert exchanges for sharing information on cyber security policy development was also agreed upon
Image courtesy Google At the recently held 3rd India-Australia Cyber Dialogue, both countries committed to ensuring security and stability in cyberspace. The meet provided an opportunity to discuss critical cybersecurity issues faced by emerging technology such as Internet of Things (IoT) and frame policies and legislation to address cybercrime.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, India, “Both countries noted their sustained concern with the increasing frequency and seriousness of cybersecurity incidents that have the potential to impact the national and economic security of respective countries and undermine international peace and security.”
“India and Australia affirmed commitment to ensure security and stability in cyberspace underpinned by their shared commitment to the implementation of the UNGGE reports of the 2013 and 2015 on the application of international law, in particular the UN Charter, agreed norms of responsible state behaviour, confidence-building measures and capacity building.”
Cooperation for IoT
The growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) provides significant opportunities and benefits for the economy to flourish, through the development of IoT-based applications. However, with this the risk of cyberthreats also subsequently increases.
Therefore, to address the cybersecurity risks currently posed by insecure IoT devices globally, it was acknowledged that greater international cooperation is required. Only then the opportunities presented by IoT can be capitalised upon.
“India and Australia are committed to share information on IoT security standards and best practices and to cooperate to promote security by design as a core element of IoT development.” the statement said.
The statement said both the countries are committed to a constructive dialogue on these issues in multilateral forums including the UN Group of Governmental Experts and Open Ended Working Group.
The dialogue was attended by the Indian delegation led by Upender Singh Rawat, Joint Secretary in charge of e-Governance, Information Technology and Cyber Diplomacy at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, and consisted of representatives of NSCS, MHA, MeitY, DoT, CERT-In and NCIIPC.
The Australian delegation was led by Ambassador for Cyber Affairs Dr Tobias Feakin and included representatives from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Department of Home Affairs, the Australian Signals Directorate’s Australian Cyber Security Centre and Australian Federal Police.
