The Evolving Dynamics of Cyberspace: Assessing The Landscape Of Changing Strategic Priorities In Cyberspace

Knowledge Graph of Debate

Session report

Kersti Kaljulaid

The analysis examined several significant topics related to technology, cybersecurity, and regulation. One key point raised was the increasing threat of AI in military systems and cybersecurity. The speakers highlighted the potential harm that AI worms could cause to military systems, as well as the planting of false data. The risks posed by these threats require proactive actions to address and mitigate them.

Another important topic discussed was the lag between the legal cycle and the tech cycle. The speakers emphasized the need for a better-functioning legal framework that can keep up with the rapid advancements in technology. They highlighted the challenges posed by emerging technologies such as predictive AI, 5G, 6G, and space technologies.

The manageability of current cyber attacks was also examined. The analysis revealed that Estonia experienced approximately 2,500 serious cyber attacks in the past year, with only one causing disruption in train ticket purchases. While the situation is considered manageable, it comes at a growing cost.

Cooperation and standardization were highlighted as crucial factors in addressing cybersecurity challenges. The analysis noted that countries like Saudi Arabia can play a significant role in promoting positive technological developments by encouraging industry adherence to set standards.

Corporate transparency and the voluntary sharing of development details with governments were emphasized. It is important for companies to share information about their technological advancements with relevant authorities to enable effective regulation.

The speakers also expressed support for imposing sanctions on companies that interfere with political processes. They argued that mechanisms should be in place to hold such companies accountable and negatively impact their share prices.

The European Union’s AI act was seen as a positive development. It was recognized that the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) became a de facto global standard, and the speakers believed the AI act should do the same. Global adherence to this act is seen as crucial for ensuring industry security, preventing conflicts, and addressing regulatory queries.

In addition, having a certain set of standards for investment security was highlighted. Regulations play a vital role in preventing potential conflicts and questions in various countries. The importance of basic principles such as human rights and the rights of nation-states was reiterated, as well as involving more women in the cybersecurity sector.

Overall, the analysis emphasized the need for proactive measures to address the increasing threat of AI in military systems and cybersecurity. It highlighted the importance of a functioning legal system that keeps pace with technological advancements, the manageability of current cyber attacks, cooperation and standardization, corporate transparency, global adherence to the European Union’s AI act, and involvement of women in the cybersecurity sector. It concluded that basic principles and compassion should guide the development and application of technology, defining the future of humankind.

Jose Manuel Barroso

The analysis highlights several key points regarding cybersecurity and global cooperation. First, advancements in fields like artificial intelligence and quantum computing pose challenges for maintaining a high level of cybersecurity. This is because these developments can make it difficult for security measures to keep up with new threats, leaving data and networks vulnerable to cyber attacks. The supporting fact provided is that developments in sectors like artificial intelligence and quantum computing might make it difficult to maintain a high level of cybersecurity.

Second, confidence and sincere cooperation among major powers, such as the United States, China, and Europe, have been decreasing. This lack of cooperation is a negative sign for global cybersecurity efforts, as collaboration and shared knowledge are essential in combating cyber threats effectively. The supporting fact is that there was a level of cooperation between major powers such as the United States, China, and Europe when Barroso was in the European Commission, but it might not be the case today.

Furthermore, cyber criminals do not stop at borders, highlighting the need to view technology as a global public good. This means that efforts to ensure cybersecurity should not be limited to individual countries but should instead involve international collaboration and cooperation. Some powers may resist supranational regulation, which emphasizes the need for shared responsibility in addressing cyber threats. The supporting facts provided are that cyber criminals do not stop at borders and that some powers may resist supranational regulation.

Moreover, Saudi Arabia, as an important member of the G20, has the potential to play a significant role in fostering dialogue and cooperation in cybersecurity. By leveraging its position and influence, Saudi Arabia can offer spaces for dialogue and collaboration in addressing cyber threats. The supporting facts are that Saudi Arabia is an important member of the G20 and can offer spaces for dialogue and cooperation in cybersecurity.

In the context of public health, while COVAX successfully distributed 2 billion vaccines across 146 countries, disparities in vaccine access between developed and developing countries were observed. This highlights the need for equitable distribution and access to vaccines to ensure global health security. The supporting facts are that COVAX distributed 2 billion vaccines and that disparities were seen in vaccine access between developed and developing countries.

A multi-stakeholder approach is deemed necessary for addressing global challenges like public health and cybersecurity. This approach involves the participation of governments, businesses, research institutes, and civil society to collaborate and find effective solutions. However, not all countries may be willing to share their expertise in cybersecurity due to defense and war implications. Public-private partnerships can reduce cybercrime, as the cost of cybercrime is expected to reach $10.5 trillion in two years. The supporting facts are that Gavi uses a multi-stakeholder approach involving governments, businesses, research institutes, and civil society, and that public-private partnerships can reduce cybercrime.

Saudi Arabia, with its good connections with both China and the US, can serve as a bridge between the two countries in technological aspects. This can facilitate cooperation and dialogue, leading to advancements in cybersecurity measures. The supporting facts are that Saudi Arabia has good connections with both sides of global arguments, is a member of G20 and BRICS+, and is developing capabilities in the field.

On the subject of regulations, there are some countries that do not support supranational regulation and binding agreements on cybersecurity. This presents a challenge in establishing cohesive and universally applicable cybersecurity measures. The conventional wisdom is to follow the principles of international law on cybersecurity. The supporting facts are that there is a stalemate in the United Nations on cybersecurity and that the conventional wisdom is to follow the principles of international law on cybersecurity.

In terms of strengthening cybersecurity, like-minded countries can forge ahead and extend areas of consensus. By finding common ground and cooperating, these countries can work towards improving cybersecurity measures on a global scale. The supporting fact is that like-minded countries can forge ahead and extend areas of consensus to strengthen cybersecurity.

Another noteworthy observation is that the implementation of GDPR initially faced criticism but is now considered a significant improvement. GDPR, a data privacy regulation introduced by the European Union (EU), has set a global standard, with California following closely in its footsteps. This highlights the positive impact and influence of global standards in regulating and safeguarding data privacy. The supporting facts are that GDPR faced criticism initially, businesses in Europe now agree that GDPR was an improvement, and California followed closely EU’s GDPR, setting a global standard.

Despite the difficulties and time-consuming nature of establishing global standards, they are deemed beneficial and necessary. Negotiation and consensus-building are essential in creating these standards, which may present challenges. However, having global standards is preferable to each country making its own regulations and can contribute to greater international cooperation. The European Union is cited as a good example of successful cooperation. The supporting facts are that creating global standards requires negotiation and consensus, the European Union is a good example of successful cooperation, and despite the difficulty, global standards are preferable to each country making its own regulations.

Cooperation and scale in regulations are crucial for global competitiveness. By cooperating and creating uniform regulations, regions like Europe gain the necessary scale to compete with major players such as the United States, China, and India. This emphasizes the importance of collaboration and the creation of a level playing field in global markets. The supporting facts are that all countries in Europe are considered small, cooperation gives them necessary scale, and cooperating and creating uniform regulations like GDPR allows Europe to compete with the likes of the United States, China, and India.

Furthermore, cybersecurity is a specific but crucial part of overall security concerns. The European Agency for Cyber Security estimates that Europe needs 200,000 cyber experts, highlighting the growing importance of addressing cybersecurity risks. Although there has not been a major catastrophic event globally in terms of cybersecurity, it is seen as a prominent and emerging threat. The supporting facts are that the European Agency for Cyber Security estimates that Europe needs 200,000 cyber experts and that until now, there has not been a major catastrophic event globally of cybersecurity.

In conclusion, the analysis emphasizes the challenges and importance of cybersecurity in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. It highlights the need for global cooperation and collaboration in addressing cyber threats. The involvement of multiple stakeholders, equitable access to resources, and the establishment of global standards are deemed crucial. Additionally, the potential role of Saudi Arabia in fostering dialogue and cooperation, as well as the significance of GDPR and the multi-stakeholder approach, are underscored. Solutions to cybersecurity challenges require proactive measures, efficient risk management, and increased public investment. Overall, the analysis calls for collective efforts to safeguard data, networks, and global security in the face of technological advancements.

Shyam Saran

Shyam Saran emphasises the need for international collaboration in tackling pressing issues such as cybersecurity and climate change. He argues against the competitive negotiation frameworks that are currently in place and advocates for a more collaborative approach. Saran believes that competitive frameworks often lead to compromised results, whereas a collaborative approach can yield optimal results in dealing with cybersecurity and climate change.

Saran also highlights the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital space. He stresses the importance of inclusion in India, where the digital space has enabled a degree of inclusiveness. However, Saran acknowledges the tremendous assault on cyberspace by malevolent forces, highlighting the need for measures to protect against such attacks.

The scale of the cybersecurity challenge is exemplified by the thousands of cyber attacks on sites associated with the G20 summit. This serves as a clear indication of the magnitude of the challenge that nations face in protecting their digital infrastructure.

India stands out as a proactive player in tackling cyber threats, actively collaborating with various partners to address the growing menace. Saran argues that the current international system seems insufficient in dealing with the cyber threat, making collaboration all the more necessary.

One of the key challenges in regulating technological advancements lies in the gap between policy makers, decision-makers and the pace of technological innovation. This gap makes it difficult to develop effective regulations that can keep up with the rapid changes in the digital landscape.

Saran highlights the importance of forums like the Future Investment Initiative in creating awareness among decision-makers and policymakers. Recent initiatives by President Biden and the European Union are mentioned as steps towards tackling cybersecurity issues, indicating a growing recognition of the need for action.

The advancements in the digital space have both positive and negative societal impacts. While it has enabled inclusiveness and positive changes, there have also been negative effects, including infringements on women’s rights. Preventing these negative effects requires proactive measures, including the active participation of women.

Recognising the value of women’s participation in the digital landscape, Saran emphasizes its importance in addressing negative trends and contributing to economic growth. He also calls on universities to actively participate in supporting changes brought about by technology and fostering gender equality.

Despite the usefulness of digital technology as a tool, Saran cautions against allowing it to dominate human beings. He highlights the importance of maintaining a balance and ensuring that humans remain in control, rather than being controlled by digital technology.

In conclusion, the need for international collaboration to address cybersecurity and climate change is crucial, according to Shyam Saran. He emphasises the importance of adopting a collaborative approach, rather than relying on competitive negotiation frameworks. Saran also brings attention to the challenges and opportunities posed by the digital space, urging inclusiveness and vigilance against cyber threats. The scale of the cybersecurity challenge is exemplified by the attacks on the G20 summit. India’s proactive collaboration efforts and the value of women’s participation in the digital landscape are highlighted. Saran encourages universities to support technological changes and promote gender equality. Lastly, he reminds us to maintain a balance and ensure that digital technology does not dominate human beings.

Introduction

The plenary session titled “The Evolving Dynamics of Cyberspace” began in Riyadh, with a distinguished panel of experts comprising Jose Manuel Barroso, former President of the European Commission and Prime Minister of Portugal, Kersti Kaljulaid, former President of the Republic of Estonia, and Ambassador Shyam Saran, former Foreign Secretary of India. These esteemed individuals were invited to share their extensive knowledge and insights on public policy and governance in the context of cyberspace.

During the 45-minute session, the panelists had ample time to delve into the complex intricacies of cyberspace and its far-reaching impact on societies worldwide. They discussed the shifting dynamics and emerging challenges within this rapidly evolving domain, while also highlighting the opportunities it presents for governments and policymakers.

Jose Manuel Barroso stressed the necessity of effective regulations and cooperative frameworks at the national and international levels to combat cyber threats, such as cyberterrorism and cybercrime. He emphasized the importance of governmental collaboration and the sharing of best practices to ensure the safety and security of citizens in an interconnected world.

Kersti Kaljulaid emphasized the significance of prioritising cybersecurity as an integral part of a nation’s overall security strategy. She shed light on Estonia’s pioneering efforts in this field, highlighting proactive measures such as investment in IT infrastructure, public awareness campaigns, and strong public-private partnerships.

Ambassador Shyam Saran elaborated on the geopolitical dimensions of cyberspace and its implications for national sovereignty. He underscored the need for robust international cooperation and adherence to norms to maintain an open, secure, and trustworthy cyberspace.

The panelists’ insightful discussions deepened the audience’s understanding of the complex issues at hand and fostered a constructive dialogue on innovative approaches to addressing the challenges of cyberspace.

The session was skillfully moderated by John Defterios, who facilitated the conversation, allowing each panelist to articulate their perspectives and engage in productive exchanges. John’s expertise in the subject matter and his ability to steer meaningful discussions contributed to the success of the session.

In conclusion, the plenary session on “The Evolving Dynamics of Cyberspace” provided a platform for world-class experts to share their knowledge and insights on the challenges and opportunities within this ever-changing domain. The panelists highlighted the importance of international collaboration, effective regulations, and proactive cybersecurity measures. The session served as a catalyst for further exploration and dialogue on how governments and policymakers can navigate the complexities of cyberspace to protect their citizens and harness its transformative potential.

John Defterios

The analysis explores various aspects of cybersecurity and its global implications, emphasising the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s role as a convener and active participant in cybersecurity discussions. With its strategic geographical position, the Kingdom is well-positioned to effectively address cybersecurity challenges.

One key finding is the increasing prevalence of cybersecurity as a global issue. Increased awareness and collaboration are needed to counter evolving threats in cyberspace. The full attendance at the panel session indicates growing interest in the topic. The Kingdom’s role as a convener demonstrates international recognition of its active involvement in addressing cybersecurity concerns.

John Defterios emphasises the importance of international collaboration in tackling global issues, including cybersecurity. The analysis highlights the need for a more collaborative approach, as existing negotiation frameworks often yield minimal results.

The analysis raises questions about how to balance the opportunities and disruptions brought by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and cyber innovations. This emphasises the need for careful consideration and proactive measures to manage their impact on cybersecurity.

The analysis also acknowledges the mixed results of international cooperation in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. While initiatives like COVAX have distributed a significant number of vaccines globally, there are disparities in vaccine access between more developed and poorer countries. Additionally, vaccine nationalism has led to excessive accumulation of vaccines by some countries. This highlights the challenges and complexities of international cooperation in addressing global crises.

Another key argument is the necessity for collaboration between countries and corporations in the field of cybersecurity. The expected increase in cybercrime underscores the need for collective efforts to combat this growing threat.

Saudi Arabia is recognised for its potential role as a bridge between China and the US in geopolitical matters, including cybersecurity. Its neutral stance and convening ability position it as an influential player in facilitating dialogue and cooperation between these two superpowers.

The analysis also underscores the crucial role of cybersecurity in digital development and the corporate sector. Proper implementation of cybersecurity measures is essential to protect and foster growth in countries like India and Nigeria. Neglecting cybersecurity could erode the progress these countries have made.

Furthermore, the analysis highlights the positive trend of increased female workforce participation. Female participation in the workforce has risen to 37% and continues to grow. This prompts examination of universities’ role in keeping pace with technological changes and ensuring gender equality in the workforce.

In conclusion, the analysis provides insights into various aspects of cybersecurity and its global implications. It emphasises the need for increased awareness, international collaboration, and proactive measures to effectively address the challenges posed by cyberspace. Saudi Arabia’s role as a convener and its strategic geographical position make it an influential player in cybersecurity discussions. The analysis also underscores the importance of balancing opportunities and disruptions brought by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and cyber innovations. Additionally, it highlights the mixed results of international cooperation in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic and advocates for increased collaboration in tackling global issues like cybersecurity. Finally, the analysis emphasises the significance of cybersecurity in digital development, the corporate sector, and ensuring gender equality in the workforce.

Speakers