Cybersecurity as a central strategy for securing the cyber environment in the Asia Pacific region

Co-Chairs

CSCAP Australia, CSCAP India, CSCAP Malaysia and CSCAP Singapore

Considerations

Globalisation has seen the increasing use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) as a vital tool for development. The increase in communication networks and connectivity has multiplied the potential for knowledge-sharing and wealth creation, as well as provided ample opportunity for enhancing prosperity among the nations.  A Nokia Siemens Network study found that by 2015, five billion people will be connected in a global community brought closer together by voice and, increasingly. data communications. However, the ubiquitous technology that permeates the daily lives of individuals, businesses and government is not without its challenges and downsides.

Cyber space has become an attractive platform for criminals who use the new technology to modernize their old techniques. The open unregulated nature of Internet and the irrelevance of geography makes cyber space a conducive breeding ground for international organized crimes and cyber terrorism. In fact, increasing dependency on cyberspace by countries in the Asia Pacific region has become a significant risk, particularly to the member states. In today's interconnected world, no nation is immune from cyber attack. If a nation is attacked, the impact will not be confined to that country. The damage can spread throughout the region as well as globally. 

Specific agenda

The specific agenda of this study group will cover the following areas:

(1) Cooperation and collaborative programmes in cybersecurity among member states. 

(2) Platforms for information exchange and knowledge sharing opportunities among member states in cyber security.

(3) Possibilities for addressing cross-border jurisdictional issues.

(4) Possible engagement with the Asia Pacific Computer Emergency Response Team (APCERT) that can develop into a strategic partnership.

Outcomes

The report of the study group will serve as the basis for the preparation of a draft CSCAP Memorandum to be submitted to the CSCAP Steering Committee for its further consideration. The Memorandum will briefly highlight the likely cyber threat scenarios in Asia Pacific region, the probable security risks, and the proposal for a cybersecurity strategy to be considered by the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF). 

Meetings

This Study Group has held the following meetings:

At the 37th CSCAP Steering Committee Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 31 May 2012 a Memorandum produced by this Study Group on Ensuring a Safer Cyber Security Environment was approved. Download Memorandum No.20.

2nd Meeting: 11-12 October 2011, Bengaluru, India.
Download the Co-Chair's report.

1st Meeting: 22-23 March 2011, Putrajaya, Malaysia. 
Download the Co-Chair's report.