Statement during Arria-formula Meeting on “Cyber Security Evolving Cyberthreat Landscape and its Implications for the Maintenance of International Peace and Security” by Permanent Representative of Latvia, Ambassador H.E. Ms. Sanita Pavļuta-Deslandes
New York, 4 April 2024
Co-chairs,
Latvia welcomes this Arria meeting organized by the Republic of Korea together with the US and Japan. We thank all the briefers for their insightful presentations.
Co-chairs,
Security considerations have always been integral part of the development of cyberspace. The first computer virus as well as antivirus codes were developed already in the early seventies of the 20th century, well before formation of the internet as we know it. The cyber-attacks we all face today are becoming more sophisticated, destructive and frequent than ever.
However, as stated by the UN High Representative for Disarmament Ms Nakamitsu, “cyberspace is not a lawless space”. It has been concluded in several reports of the UN Group of Governmental Experts, as well as Open Ended Working Group that international law, including international humanitarian law, is applicable to cyberspace.
Therefore, the question is not about the rules governing cyberspace, but rather about ensuring their implementation. In this regard, ransomware, indeed, serves as a suitable example of a growing cyber threat that demands coordinated response by the international community.
Ransomware attacks have affected many states and regions, including Latvia. My country’s response has been focused on building national cyber resilience. It includes steps aimed at strengthening cyber defence through coordinated actions by relevant institutions such as CERT, State Police and Ministry of Defence. They are proactively implementing defensive measures, including cyber threat hunting operations, as well as phishing and malware tests for the operators of critical infrastructure. We pay equal attention to strengthening cyber literacy and hygiene in the public sector and society as a whole. Ability to recognize and prevent malware from activating is much more effective than attempting to contain it.
Building on our national steps, we are sharing our experience with partners and participating in international coordination efforts. While supporting current negotiations in the OEWG, Latvia believes that cybersecurity matters deserve a permanent UN mechanism. The proposal to establish the UN Programme of Action (PoA) on cybersecurity has received a wide cross-regional support and we are awaiting its establishment no later than in 2026.
That said, we do not regard cybersecurity as a matter belonging only to the GA. The Security Council should continue to deliberate on cybersecurity matters, including to reinforce application of international law in cyberspace. As we proceed towards establishment of the PoA, it would be worth exploring options for interaction between this mechanism and the Security Council. It would help ensure that the Council is kept abreast with the developments in the cyber domain and is in position to take the necessary decisions.
I thank you.