IGF 2023 WS #328 Emergency Networks Security: Cyber Challenges

Subtheme

Cybersecurity, Cybercrime & Online Safety
Cyberattacks, Cyberconflicts and International Security
New Technologies and Risks to Online Security

Organizer 1: Shadrach Ankrah, Ghana Youth IGF
Organizer 2: Ashirwad Tripathy, ๐Ÿ”’
Organizer 3: Vallarie Wendy Yiega, ๐Ÿ”’

Speaker 1: Shadrach Ankrah, Technical Community, African Group
Speaker 2: Imani Luvanga, Private Sector, African Group
Speaker 3: AMANING FRANCIS ACQUAH, Intergovernmental Organization, African Group
Speaker 4: Shah Zahidur Rahman, Technical Community, Asia-Pacific Group

Moderator

Vallarie Wendy Yiega, Private Sector, African Group

Online Moderator

Ashirwad Tripathy, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group

Rapporteur

Ashirwad Tripathy, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group

Format

Round Table - 60 Min

Policy Question(s)

1. How can stakeholders collaborate to develop robust regulatory frameworks that address cybersecurity threats during emergencies?
2. What strategies and technologies can be implemented to detect and mitigate cyber threats, such as ransomware attacks and data breaches, in communication networks during crisis situations?
3. How can the balance between effective emergency response and cybersecurity considerations be achieved in the context of communication networks during emergencies?
4. What policy measures and best practices can be recommended to enhance the resilience and security of communication networks, and protect against cyber threats, during and after crises?

What will participants gain from attending this session? By attending our "Emergency Network Security: Cyber Challenges" session, participants will gain valuable insights into securing communication networks during emergencies. They will learn from cybersecurity experts, policymakers, and technical professionals, benefiting from real-world examples and experiences.

They can deepen their understanding of various cybersecurity threats, including ransomware attacks, phishing, disinformation campaigns, data breaches, and infrastructure attacks. They will grasp the challenges in safeguarding communication networks and the importance of robust cybersecurity frameworks and incident response capabilities.

Furthermore, attendees will acquire practical strategies to enhance network resilience and security in emergencies. They will explore collaborative approaches among stakeholders, fostering partnerships for effective network protection. The session will address the balance between emergency response efficiency and data privacy considerations.

Overall, our session equips participants with knowledge, tools, and policy recommendations to address cybersecurity challenges during emergencies, ensuring the security and continuity of communication networks.

Description:

In times of emergencies or crises, safeguarding communication networks is vital for effective disaster response. The United Nations Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2023 provides a platform to address cybersecurity challenges that arise in such situations and explore strategies for network protection.

This roundtable discussion brings together cybersecurity experts, policymakers, technical professionals, and civil society representatives to analyze real-world examples highlighting threats encountered during emergencies. We will delve into ransomware attacks, phishing, disinformation campaigns, data breaches, and infrastructure attacks.

By sharing insights, best practices, and policy recommendations, we aim to enhance network resilience and security during emergencies. Topics include cybersecurity frameworks, incident response mechanisms, and collaboration among stakeholders. Balancing effective emergency response with data privacy and ethical handling of information will also be addressed.

Key Topics for Discussion:

1. Understanding cybersecurity challenges faced during emergencies.
2. Strengthening frameworks and incident response for communication infrastructure security.
3. Balancing emergency response with data privacy considerations.
4. Collaborative approaches for network resilience in crises.
5. Policy recommendations and best practices for network protection in emergencies.

Expected Outcomes

1. Policy Recommendations: The session will result in the development of practical policy recommendations to strengthen cybersecurity frameworks and incident response mechanisms specific to communication networks during emergencies.

2. Enhanced Collaboration: Participants will foster multi-stakeholder collaboration, forging partnerships and sharing best practices to address cybersecurity threats in emergency situations, ultimately enhancing the resilience of communication networks.

3. Increased Awareness and Advocacy: The session will raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity in emergencies, driving advocacy efforts to prioritize these concerns in policy agendas, resource allocations, and capacity-building initiatives.

Hybrid Format: Our session adopts a hybrid format, ensuring an inclusive and interactive environment for participants to share knowledge and recommendations. Speakers and organizers are committed to in-person participation in Kyoto, Japan, while online tools will accommodate unforeseen circumstances.

* Session Discussion Facilitation *

1. Introduction (5 mins): Sets the session's objectives and provides an overview.

2. Panelist Presentations (25 mins): Each panelist delivers a concise presentation (5-7 mins) on cybersecurity threats during emergencies, emphasizing real-world examples and potential solutions.

3. Interactive Discussion (25 mins): Facilitates cross-panel dialogue, addressing key policy questions, challenges, and best practices.

4. Q&A and Audience Participation (5 mins): Allows audience questions and engagement with the panelists.

5. Conclusion and Key Takeaways (5 mins): Summarizes key points, policy recommendations, and emphasizes collaboration and advocacy in addressing cybersecurity in emergencies.

In closing, we express gratitude to the panelists and participants for their contributions to this vital discussion.