The forum stressed the crucial need for increased cybersecurity cooperation to build a resilient Indo-Pacific that can effectively identify and repel intrusions.
Lt General MU Nair, the National Cyber Security Coordinator, represented New Delhi at the meeting. Other key participants included Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Hamish Hansford, Japan’s Deputy National Security Advisor and Assistant Chief Cabinet Secretary Keiichi Ichikawa, and the United States’ Anne Neuberger, Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber and Emerging Technology.
The joint declaration issued during the meeting reaffirmed Quad members’ commitment to constructing a resilient Indo-Pacific capable of withstanding cyber threats. The Quad countries, who are acknowledged as global leaders in digital technology, connectivity, and resilience, have vowed to help create capacity in the Indo-Pacific area. This effort attempts to improve nations’ capabilities to secure their government networks and key infrastructure against cyber disturbances.
The Quad partners reaffirmed their commitment to the rule of law in cyberspace and expressed grave concern about cyberattacks on key infrastructure in the region. Progress on Quad cyber initiatives, such as the Quad Cybersecurity Partnership: Joint Principles, was welcomed, with events such as the Quad Cyber Challenge highlighting work in areas such as Secure Software, Cybersecurity of Critical Infrastructure, Supply Chain Resilience and Security, and Cyber Awareness. The Quad partners agreed to share cyber resources through capacity-building projects during the summit. This collaborative project aims to improve infrastructure security in the Indo-Pacific region, emphasizing the necessity of a safe and secure cyberspace for a healthy and secure society.
In light of the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks, the Quad partners emphasized the importance of improved collaboration in ensuring the resilience of critical infrastructure information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) systems. Mutual acceptance of Quad nations’ labeling schemes for cybersecurity of Internet of Things (IoT) items was also stressed, as was the incorporation of essential and developing technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning.
The Quad partners reiterated the importance of dependable, secure, and resilient supply networks in essential industries. Digital infrastructure and connectivity, including undersea cables, telecommunications networks, and cloud services, were recognized as areas of cooperation during the summit.
The Quad partners’ mutual commitment does not end with discussions. The declaration closed with a solid commitment to leveraging each other’s capabilities and resources to advance Quad cyber objectives. The ultimate goal is to create a more secure cyberspace and accomplish the Quad Leaders’ vision of a free, open, inclusive, and resilient Indo-Pacific. The spotlight is now on the forthcoming Quad Leaders Meeting, where continuous collaboration and tangible outcomes are expected to change the region’s cybersecurity landscape.
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