Towards global consensus on cybersecurity requirements

Cyber security of network and information systems is a global concern and is crucial for ensuring the smooth running of the economy, the efficiency of the public administration, and the well-being of citizens. These questions have been highlighted in Europe, with the European Union Institutions acknowledging the importance of network technologies as essential infrastructure. Within this context, the issue of cybersecurity gained the global spotlight again during the G20 meetings in June 2019, when the “Osaka Track” framework for free cross-border data flow was launched.

Already introduced at this year’s World Economic Forum by the Japanese President, Sinzo Abe, the “Osaka Track” aims at the standardisation of rules in order to facilitate data flows across the world, while ensuring better protection in cybersecurity and privacy. However, views on cyber security and privacy protection vary across the globe. Several countries and trading blocs, such as the EU, are concerned about data sharing and how best to ensure resilience and security of network and information systems.

Although issues raised over 4G mobile networks were essentially commercial, ongoing discussions on 5G technologies have been highly politicised in Europe and at the global level as underlined by several commentators. This significantly diverts attention from raising the overall level of cyber security in the EU. The European Parliament Think Tank stated: “it is vital for the EU to preserve its strategic autonomy against the backdrop of geopolitical pressure”, while confirming that “security risks have arisen from a combination of technical and political concerns”. How do we drive towards global consensus on cybersecurity requirements?