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In combatting cyberattacks, standing alone in one nation is not enough. Cyber threats originate from diverse sources, including criminal groups, state-sponsored actors, and non-state actors. Many of these threats are transnational, meaning they cannot be effectively addressed by a single country acting independently.
Collaboration among nations helps to enhance situational awareness, share best practices, and foster joint responses to cyber threats. By pooling resources and expertise, countries can better defend themselves against sophisticated adversaries and minimise the damage caused by cyber incidents.
New Zealand has recognised the escalating threat of cyber warfare by taking multiple steps to address it. The country recently joined an international alliance, the Pall Mall process, specifically focused on countering hackers-for-hire activities. This significant move underscores New Zealand’s commitment to collaborating with the global community in combating cyber threats. The inaugural conference in the UK saw the participation of 34 countries, highlighting the widespread concern and the need for coordinated action in this domain.
The primary goal of the Pall Mall process is to diminish the commercial market for malicious cyber activities, particularly those carried out by hackers-for-hire. By targeting this aspect of the cyber ecosystem, the alliance aims to disrupt and curtail the operations of entities that engage in cyber warfare for financial gain. This multifaceted approach involves not only enhancing defensive measures but also actively working to undermine the economic incentives driving illicit cyber operations.
The National Security Group clarified that New Zealand’s participation in the Pall Mall process does not impose any specific obligations but requires the country to engage in multilateral talks to understand and mitigate cyber threats.
In a comprehensive statement, the National Security Group provided an in-depth overview of the objectives and scope of the Pall Mall process, emphasising its pivotal role in addressing the escalating challenges posed by cyber warfare. The alliance is steadfast in its commitment to gaining a deeper understanding of the risks associated with commercially available cyber intrusion capabilities, recognising the urgent need to assess and mitigate these threats effectively. By shedding light on the intricate landscape of cyber threats, the Pall Mall process aims to equip participating nations with the knowledge and insights necessary to fortify their cyber defences and resilience.
Furthermore, the alliance is dedicated to developing guiding principles and policy frameworks that can serve as robust foundations for countering malicious cyber activities. This approach underscores the significance of not only reactive measures but also preemptive strategies aimed at deterring and disrupting cyber warfare. By delineating potential policy options, the Pall Mall process seeks to empower its member states with a comprehensive toolkit for addressing diverse cyber threats in a cohesive and coordinated manner.
The Pall Mall process is characterised as a multistakeholder initiative that strongly emphasises the indispensable role of public-private partnerships and collaboration with civil society and academia. This inclusive approach is essential for safeguarding collective interests in a free, open, and secure cyberspace.
Despite joining the international alliance, New Zealand also maintains that it already has a robust range of measures to tackle threats from malicious cyber activity. The country’s cybersecurity efforts are envisioned to be enhanced by participating in the Pall Mall process, providing a platform for sharing best practices and coordinating responses to cyber threats globally.
By collaborating with other nations, New Zealand can gain access to a wealth of knowledge and expertise, enabling it to stay abreast of emerging cyber threats and adopt best practices in cybersecurity. This will be particularly important given the rapidly evolving nature of cyber threats, which require constant vigilance and adaptation. As the cyberthreats expands, these collaborative efforts are crucial for safeguarding digital systems against an ever-evolving spectrum of threats.
