The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) has formed partnerships with United Nations (UN) organisations to help secure cyber space for consumers, businesses, and children.
The memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between the ITU and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) this month will see the two organisations collaborate in assisting ITU and UN member states mitigate the risks posed by cyber crime.
The MOU will enable the parties to avail the necessary expertise and resources to establish legal measures and legislative frameworks at national level, for the benefit of all interested countries, says the ITU.
It adds that this is the first time two organisations within the UN system have formally agreed to co-operate at the global level on cyber security.
“This new alliance with UNODC is a major milestone in implementing a co-ordinated global approach to an increasingly serious global problem. Together, our two agencies will generate powerful synergies that will help all interested countries fight the scourge of cyber threats and cyber crime, and create a safer online environment for all,” says ITU secretary-general Hamadoun Tour'e.
Be prepared
The ITU has also signed an MOU with Symantec for security intelligence to increase understanding of and readiness for cyber security risks.
Symantec's quarterly Internet Security Threat Reports will be distributed to interested member states to help better prepare governments in developing and developed nations to respond to the risk from malware, cyber attackers and information thieves.
“This will facilitate awareness raising and knowledge transfer, complementing the work of ITU and strengthening its effectiveness as a global forum for governments and private sector to build confidence and security in the use of ICTs.”
According to Enrique Salem, president and CEO of Symantec, over the past year-and-a-half researchers have noted a dramatic increase in the number of cyber attacks, as well as the growing sophistication and impact of threats.
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