NRIs Collaborative Session on cybersecurity: Bridging the gaps for a safer cyberspace

Introduction

This session acknowledged that the global landscape of cybersecurity and internet governance was rapidly evolving, presenting multifaceted challenges and opportunities. It delved into the intricate web of issues surrounding these domains, emphasizing the need for collaboration, harmonization, and innovative approaches. It explored questions about universal principles in cyberspace, the balance between security and fundamental rights, cybersecurity education, government responsibilities, infrastructure upgrades, and protection of vulnerable communities. The session, through its speakers, underscored the importance of international cooperation and knowledge exchange through national and regional Internet Governance Forum initiatives. It shed light on critical policy considerations, addressing the nexus between cybersecurity, privacy, digital inclusion, Gender issues, cultural considerations, and the safeguarding of democratic processes, especially during pivotal events like elections.

• Key takeaways
  • There is a need to integrate law, technology, sociology, and cultural values for comprehensive cybersecurity.
  • It is important to work on demystifying cybersecurity to engage everyone, emphasizing active involvement and addressing gender and diversity concerns.
  • Fragmentation of Data Regulations: Different countries have different scope or perspective in data security, most especially for cross border transfer of data and this negatively impacts the cybersecurity situation.
  • It is needed to target the younger generation to improve capacity to stay safe online.
  • There is a need for Public-Private consensus on cybersecurity policies and frameworks. Multistakeholder is important to come to consensus that considers all internet stakeholders.
  • Sharing Similar Initiatives between countries is incredibly helpful.
  • There is a need to invest more into education for each populace on responsible use of the internet. Teaching Information Literacy across the world needs to be standardized.
  • It is currently difficult to actively collaborate with other organizations on information sharing.

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• Call-to-action points
  • Bring gender focused perspective to cybersecurity policy.
  • There needs to be streamlined regulation for cybersecurity on regional level. These cybersecurity and data governance regulations need to be harmonized to improve cybersecurity.
  • There is a role that each one of us can play in raising the next generation and ensuring that thew internet is safe and secure.
  • In the Global South, address cybersecurity by focusing on controllable factors, integrating sociology, child-friendly media, local languages, and diverse policy approaches.
  • It is important to keep separate the interests of the Public Sector and Private Sector and focus on human-centric interests first.
  • Capacity Building and Security training should be pursued by all stakeholders.
  • International Human rights law should be utilized as a guide to apply norms for Cybersecurity Frameworks on an International Level.

In conclusion, this session highlighted the evolving challenges in cybersecurity and internet governance, emphasizing the need for collaboration, gender inclusion, and harmonized regulations. It called for proactive measures to educate the younger generation, streamline policies, and promote international cooperation. The session's insights underscore the importance of a holistic approach to cybersecurity, aligning with global human-centric values and international norms