Cybersecurity Gateway

Dr. Hamadoun Touré
Secretary-General, ITU

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have transformed modern lifestyles. They have provided us with real- time communications, border- less and almost unlimited access to information and a wide range of innovative services. At the same time, they have also created new opportunities for exploitation and abuse.

Cyber threats have become one of the biggest global issues of our time. The proliferation of always-on connections has created a global network of open conduits. Whilst this brings untold benefits in terms of access to information and knowledge on an unprecedented scale, it has also led to vast quantities of malware and spyware circulating freely on the Internet, and an alarming rise in the number and scale of cyber threats, cyber criminals and cyber terrorists.

The ITU is working hard to forge partnerships and support projects whose goal is to create a safe and secure cyber environment for everyone. Access to communications is useless if peace and safety online cannot be guaranteed.

That is why the ITU, as facilitator of WSIS Action Line C5 on “Building Confidence and Security in the use of ICTs”, launched the Global Cybersecurity Agenda (GCA) on 17 May 2007. Designed as an international framework for cooperation and response, the GCA focuses on building partnership and collaboration between all relevant parties in the fight against cyber threats.

Cybersecurity is one of the most critical concerns of the information age. It forms the cornerstone of a healthy, connected world. It is a global issue, demanding a truly global approach. Because of light-speed communications and ubiquitous networks, cyber criminals and cyber terrorists do not need to be anywhere near the scenes of their crimes. An international response is the only possible solution.

It is therefore gratifying to see, and to be part of, this growing coalition aimed at building global solutions to address cyber threats wherever they come from. I am convinced that the ITU can build confidence and trust in the use of ICTs to make the online world a safer place.

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