Quad countries plan to share information on cyberattacks on critical infrastructure

The USA, Australia, India, and Japan – members of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) have begun discussing a new information-sharing agreement to exchange data on cyberattacks aimed at critical infrastructure facilities and thus enhance their cyber-resilience. This information will be used to enable each country to promptly prepare and implement defence measures.

The use of both cyberattacks and conventional weapons by Russia in its invasion of Ukraine has made it imperative to strengthen cyber defence to deter both Russia and China. The Quad countries aim to finalise an agreement regarding this strategy during their summit in Australia in late May.

Additionally, Nikkei reports that the countries are discussing similar agreements on common minimum security standards and measures to align procurement of security management and data encryption systems. That could potentially ensure greater interoperability of systems of four countries.

Earlier during the meeting in New Delhi in January 2023, Quad members announced plans to ‘leverage machine learning and related advanced technologies to enhance cyber security; establish secure channels for Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERT) and private sector threat information sharing; and create a framework and methodology for ensuring supply chain security and resilience for ICT and operational technology (OT) systems of critical sectors.’