European cyber ambassadors have called for an international agreement to reduce the repercussions of cyber attacks. Reuters
European cyber ambassadors have called for an international agreement to reduce the repercussions of cyber attacks. Reuters
European cyber ambassadors have called for an international agreement to reduce the repercussions of cyber attacks. Reuters
European cyber ambassadors have called for an international agreement to reduce the repercussions of cyber attacks. Reuters

Cyber ambassadors call for international rules to prevent attacks


Thomas Harding
  • English
  • Arabic

Europe’s leading cyber ambassadors have called for a new set of rules agreed upon by the international community to control growing cyberspace threats.

With major cyber attacks occurring around the globe, countries need to agree on what is “acceptable behaviour” to prevent a lawless internet, the Rusi think tank webinar heard.

“I think a lot of countries have experienced a certain wake-up call,” said Nathalie Jaarsma, the Dutch security policy and cyber ambassador.

She said a plan for agreeing on “rules of the road in cyberspace” has been “inspiring enormous discussion internationally”.

“So what kind of international rules and norms do we agree to?” she said.

“The second pillar is around the question, what do we do if a state doesn't behave according to the rules?

“So diplomatic response, talking to the state where the threat comes from all the way to deterrence, and then, of course, it can go outside of the cyber area.”

To represent their interests in an increasingly busy digital space, many countries have appointed dedicated cyber ambassadors.

Pioneered by European countries, in recent years the cyber ambassador’s remit has expanded, although roles and responsibilities vary considerably between nations

Regine Grienberger, Germany's ambassador for cyber foreign policy, said the key was “knowing the threats” and “what can we do about it”.

Countries needed to develop “resilience, deterrence, countermeasures and retaliation”, she added.

Cyber diplomacy in Germany has also led to confidence-building measures, “which is particularly interesting now in the context of Ukraine”, she said.

Apple has introduced Lockdown Mode to protect users from state-sponsored cyber attacks. Photo: Apple
Apple has introduced Lockdown Mode to protect users from state-sponsored cyber attacks. Photo: Apple

Tanel Sepp, Estonia’s ambassador for cyber diplomacy, argued it was important to focus on how to attribute different cyber attacks.

“Sometimes there are links, sometimes there are no links,” he said.

“But actually what we are talking about is politically motivated cyber activities and there, you always have to look for that larger framework or larger picture to understand what is happening in that space.

“We also have to focus on larger attacks and think these are always somehow politically motivated.

“Right now our focus is very much on Ukraine and what Russia is doing. This is clearly a violation of any single norm related to traditional international law or cyber norms.”

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Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: Generative AI
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• Scientists estimate there could be as many as 3 million fungal species globally
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  • The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
  • Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
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  • In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
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End of free parking

- paid-for parking will be rolled across Abu Dhabi island on August 18

- drivers will have three working weeks leeway before fines are issued

- areas that are currently free to park - around Sheikh Zayed Bridge, Maqta Bridge, Mussaffah Bridge and the Corniche - will now require a ticket

- villa residents will need a permit to park outside their home. One vehicle is Dh800 and a second is Dh1,200. 

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T20 World Cup Qualifier fixtures

Tuesday, October 29

Qualifier one, 2.10pm – Netherlands v UAE

Qualifier two, 7.30pm – Namibia v Oman

Wednesday, October 30

Qualifier three, 2.10pm – Scotland v loser of qualifier one

Qualifier four, 7.30pm – Hong Kong v loser of qualifier two

Thursday, October 31

Fifth-place playoff, 2.10pm – winner of qualifier three v winner of qualifier four

Friday, November 1

Semi-final one, 2.10pm – Ireland v winner of qualifier one

Semi-final two, 7.30pm – PNG v winner of qualifier two

Saturday, November 2

Third-place playoff, 2.10pm

Final, 7.30pm

UK-EU trade at a glance

EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years

Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products

Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries

Smoother border management with use of e-gates

Cutting red tape on import and export of food

What can you do?

Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses

Seek professional advice from a legal expert

You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor

You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline

In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support

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How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
  1. Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
  2. Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
  3. Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
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*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
THE BIO

Favourite author - Paulo Coelho 

Favourite holiday destination - Cuba 

New York Times or Jordan Times? NYT is a school and JT was my practice field

Role model - My Grandfather 

Dream interviewee - Che Guevara

Updated: November 09, 2022, 7:00 AM`