India and the United Kingdom expressed concern over “the increased willingness of states and their proxies” to facilitate malicious cyber activities stressing that the rules-based international order must be upheld online, according to a joint cybersecurity statement released by the countries. "We will deepen coordination on mitigation strategies against Advanced Persistent Threats as well as cooperation on tackling cybercrime,” the statement said. The statement was released following UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s two-day trip to India. The countries said that the role of voluntary and non-binding norms to promote responsible state behaviour cannot be discounted. (A copy of the norms can be found here) The two countries condemned the use of cyber tools to damage or impair critical infrastructure. The statement declared that the states are obliged to respond to “appropriate requests" to address malicious information and communication technology (ICT) activity against other states emanating from their territory”. The statement highlights how cybersecurity has become a crucial point of discussion among major countries. The fact that a separate statement was released on cybersecurity reveals that the topic has become a significant issue for consideration. It is also a tacit acknowledgement of the need for cooperation to address cyberattacks taking place offshore. What else was discussed? Cooperation among countries: The two nations agreed to work on an international convention to counter the use of information and communication technologies by criminals. The convention will look to build international cooperation to prevent, deter, mitigate, investigate and prosecute cybercrimes, the statement said. “India and the United…
