The UN on Thursday warned about an increase in malicious cyber activities by state, non-state actors and criminals.
“The misuse of digital technology is becoming more sophisticated and stealthy,” UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres told the 15-member Security Council.
“Malware, wipers and Trojans are proliferating. AI-enabled cyber operations are multiplying the threat, and quantum computing could break down entire systems with its ability to breach encryption."
Mr Guterres said cybersecurity incidents have become “disturbingly common” from disruptions to health, banking and telecommunications services to “relentless illicit activity” including by criminal organisations and so-called “cyber-mercenaries.”
Cyber security is an increasingly pressing concern for many countries.
Prior to the Security Council meeting, Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul read a statement on behalf of 63 countries recognising the challenge of the malicious use of cyberspace and welcoming the council’s focus on the issue for only the second time.
It said more council meetings and briefings are essential so that the UN’s most powerful body can “remain agile and relevant in light of the rapidly evolving technology” and especially its impact on international peace and security.
The US said $120 million in ransom has been paid to hackers in Russia, which it called a refuge for malicious cyber criminals.
“The Russian government has served as a safe-haven for ransomware actors who, in recent years, have caused billions of dollars of losses and significant damages to hospitals and other critical infrastructure,” said Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US ambassador to the UN.
Russia denied enabling malicious cyber activity and called for “professionalism” at the Security Council.
Britain voiced concerns about cyber threats including those from North Korea, and criticised Russia for its disinformation.
“For Russia to accuse the UK of running a disinformation war is astonishing when their own disinformation machine has been so obviously and clearly exposed, including here at the UN,” said UK ambassador Barbara Woodward.
“Cyber threats will present an ever-greater number of risks to international peace and security, and governments need to evolve to address them effectively."
This month, a pro-Kremlin hacker group claimed responsibility for what appeared to be a synchronised cyber assault on the websites of Dutch political parties and EU institutions, on the first day of the European elections.
The council's open debate comes weeks after Russia used its power of veto to disrupt UN investigations into how North Korea’s hacking activities are funding the country’s weapons programmes, which are under sanctions.
This is the second formal debate on cyber security being convened by the UN Security Council in its history.
Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
RESULT
Bournemouth 0 Southampton 3 (Djenepo (37', Redmond 45' 1, 59')
Man of the match Nathan Redmond (Southampton)
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Indoor Cricket World Cup Dubai 2017
Venue Insportz, Dubai; Admission Free
Fixtures - Open Men 2pm: India v New Zealand, Malaysia v UAE, Singapore v South Africa, Sri Lanka v England; 8pm: Australia v Singapore, India v Sri Lanka, England v Malaysia, New Zealand v South Africa
Fixtures - Open Women Noon: New Zealand v England, UAE v Australia; 6pm: England v South Africa, New Zealand v Australia
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Brief scoreline:
Wolves 3
Neves 28', Doherty 37', Jota 45' 2
Arsenal 1
Papastathopoulos 80'
The biog
Favourite book: Animal Farm by George Orwell
Favourite music: Classical
Hobbies: Reading and writing
PRISCILLA
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The biog
Favourite films: Casablanca and Lawrence of Arabia
Favourite books: Start with Why by Simon Sinek and Good to be Great by Jim Collins
Favourite dish: Grilled fish
Inspiration: Sheikh Zayed's visionary leadership taught me to embrace new challenges.
The specs: 2018 Renault Megane
Price, base / as tested Dh52,900 / Dh59,200
Engine 1.6L in-line four-cylinder
Transmission Continuously variable transmission
Power 115hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque 156Nm @ 4,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined 6.6L / 100km
FIXTURES
Saturday
5.30pm: Shabab Al Ahli v Al Wahda
5.30pm: Khorfakkan v Baniyas
8.15pm: Hatta v Ajman
8.15pm: Sharjah v Al Ain
Sunday
5.30pm: Kalba v Al Jazira
5.30pm: Fujairah v Al Dhafra
8.15pm: Al Nasr v Al Wasl
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
The specs
A4 35 TFSI
Engine: 2.0-litre, four-cylinder
Transmission: seven-speed S-tronic automatic
Power: 150bhp
Torque: 270Nm
Price: Dh150,000 (estimate)
On sale: First Q 2020
A4 S4 TDI
Engine: 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel
Transmission: eight-speed PDK automatic
Power: 350bhp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: Dh165,000 (estimate)
On sale: First Q 2020
