Commonwealth examines the implications of the UK’s Cyber Strategy

Commonwealth examines the implications of the UK’s Cyber Strategy London, 16 April 2012 - London based High Commissions met today at the Royal United Services Institute to examine the implications of the UK’s Cyber Strategy launched in November 2011 at a seminar jointly organised by the Commonwealth Telecommunication Organisation and the Royal United Services Institute. The UK’s Cyber Strategy seeks to ensure security on electronic channels by building norms and behaviours that will be adhered to voluntarily. It therefore requires a broad engagement of stakeholders. The shared heritage and traditional ties of the Commonwealth that generate a high degree of electronic interactions amongst its members makes the Commonwealth an ideal platform to explore, agree and promote suitable “norms and behaviours”. The consultation held today informed High Commissions of the key elements of such a strategy and provided an opportunity for these key stakeholders to air their views. The event was chaired by Mr John Bassett OBE, Associate Fellow, Cyber Security of the Royal United Services Institute and addressed by Mr James Quinault, Director, Office of Cyber Security and Information Assurance of the UK and Prof Tim Unwin, the Chief Executive Officer of the CTO. Mr Quinault identified the protection of privacy and freedom of expression while ensuring security as a key challenge while Prof Unwin expressed the hope that the dialogue started during the event will continue on a regular basis so as to ensure the delivery of a set of norms and behaviours across the Commonwealth leading to shared Cybersecurity practices. During the discussion that followed the delegates explored a number of central issues including the need to raise awareness of key stakeholders and ways of building trust as a means of promoting security. The event was sponsored by Symantec, a leading technology provider in Cybersecurity. For more information, contact: Lasantha De Alwis Corporate Secretary/Senior manager, Programmes l.dealwis@cto.int +44 208 600 3814 Commonwealth Telecommunication Organisation With a history dating back to 1901, the Commonwealth Telecommunication Organisation (CTO) is the oldest and largest Commonwealth organisation in the field of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), and uses its experience and expertise to support members in using ICTs to deliver effective development interventions that enrich, empower, and emancipate all peoples within the Commonwealth and beyond. For more information, please visit www.cto.int Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) RUSI is an independent think-tank for defence and security. RUSI is a unique institution; founded in 1831 by the Duke of Wellington, it embodies nearly two centuries of forward thinking, free discussion and careful reflection on defence and security matters.