Technology has grown pervasive, affecting many parts of society, including national and foreign politics, government, service delivery, and combat. This reliance on technology, however, exposes key systems to potential interruptions. To assure the continuity of key services, a nation’s role is to safeguard crucial systems.
What exactly is critical information infrastructure (CII)?
- The term “critical information infrastructure” refers to the interconnected systems and assets that are required for a nation’s society, economy, and government to function. It includes the hardware, software, networks, data, and communication channels that are used to support critical services and processes.
- Transportation, energy, banking and finance, healthcare, telecommunications, water and sanitation, emergency services, and government networks are all included.
- It is vital to protect key information infrastructure in order to assure service continuity, safeguard sensitive data, and defend against cyber threats such as cyberattacks, data breaches, and other malicious activities.
Distinctions in the definition of vital information infrastructure
- Criticality Criteria: Different countries use different metrics to determine the importance of information infrastructure.
- For example, a government may regard infrastructure to be vital if its failure has an impact on national security, the economy, public health, or safety. Another country may define vital infrastructure based on the possibility of long-term supply shortages, interruptions to public safety and security, or other serious repercussions.
- Infrastructure breadth: The breadth of infrastructure considered critical may differ. While certain industries, such as energy, transportation, banking, and telecommunications, are widely recognised as vital in many countries, discrepancies in recognising sub-sectors or specific firms within such sectors may exist. Some countries may define vital information infrastructure to include additional sectors such as water and sanitation, emergency services, healthcare, or government networks.
- Criteria Overlap: In some circumstances, the criteria used to define vital infrastructure may overlap. Ensure the availability, delivery, or integrity of critical services, for example, can include vital societal functions, information flow, and communication networks. Harmonising these overlapping criteria can assist in the development of precise and comprehensive standards that meet the demands of all countries.
- National Priorities and Contextual considerations: National priorities and contextual considerations influence the definition of vital information infrastructure. Countries may think about their specific geopolitical circumstances, existing threats and weaknesses, and the possible impact on their economy and inhabitants. This context-specific strategy enables each country to manage its unique difficulties while also ensuring the protection of critical infrastructure to its national well-being.
The G20’s role in creating global rules for critical infrastructure protection
- Platform for Dialogue: The G20 provides a forum for member countries to engage in conversations and exchanges on major global concerns such as cybersecurity and critical infrastructure protection. It brings together policymakers, professionals, and stakeholders from a variety of industries to share their ideas, experiences, and best practises.
- Creating Consensus: The G20 strives to reach agreement among member countries on essential infrastructure challenges. The G20 aspires to build common understandings and principles that can guide international cooperation in securing key information infrastructure through discourse, negotiations, and diplomatic efforts.
- Starting Conversations: The G20 has the ability to start conversations on specific subjects and themes related to critical infrastructure safety. By putting the subject on the G20 agenda, it highlights the necessity of tackling cybersecurity concerns and developing global norms in this area.
- Leveraging Economic Influence: The G20 accounts for around 85 percent of global GDP, more than 75 percent of worldwide trade, and a sizable share of the global population. This economic clout gives the G20 power to push debates and persuade member countries to prioritise critical infrastructure preservation.
- Collaboration with International Organisations: The Group of 20 (G20) works with international organisations such as the United Nations (UN), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). This collaboration serves to use these organisations’ experience, resources, and frameworks to inform conversations and build comprehensive approaches to critical infrastructure protection.
- Promoting International Stability: The G20 recognises that vital infrastructure protection is critical for international stability and economic collaboration. The G20 aspires to improve cybersecurity, reduce disruptions, and create a safe digital environment for economic activity by advocating for global norms and responsible state behaviour.
- Policy Development: The G20’s deliberations and suggestions on critical infrastructure protection can have an impact on national and international policy development. Member countries can align their policies and frameworks with the G20 standards and principles, boosting harmonisation and collaboration.
Recommendations for the G20 Common
- Definition and vital Sectors: The G20 should take a staged approach, beginning with defining vital infrastructure. Following that, a larger agreement on key sectors should be reached, followed by the development of shared rules for regulating critical infrastructure. This procedure will help to build global agreement, ensure member country collaboration, and guide governments in the early phases of regulating vital infrastructure.
- While developing common principles for regulating vital infrastructure, the G20 should reaffirm and uphold existing norms as the framework for future debates. This includes G20 pledges such as the Hamburg Action Plan and the Buenos Aires Declaration. Furthermore, the G20 can learn from the actions of other multilateral organisations, such as the G7, G8, and OECD, that have focused on critical infrastructure protection.
- Respecting International Law: The G20 should commit to safeguarding key infrastructure and refraining from willfully causing damage to it. Member countries should act in accordance with international law and promote responsible state behaviour in cyberspace.
- International Cooperation: The G20 countries must work together more closely to prevent, mitigate, trace, and investigate cyber attacks involving vital infrastructure. It should be encouraged to share information on similar incidents. Adopting international critical infrastructure standards will help to harmonise regulatory and enforcement measures, minimising tensions and boosting cooperation.
- Capacity Building: It is critical to invest in research and development and capacity building in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), drones, and space. G20 countries should help low- and middle-income countries gain access to research and technology. Furthermore, countries should respond to calls for assistance from states whose vital infrastructure has been compromised, as well as promote the use of certified security solutions that adhere to international standards.
- Approach with Multiple Stakeholders: Protecting essential information infrastructure requires a multi-stakeholder commitment. Governments, technology firms, and civil society organisations should work together to share and analyse vital infrastructure data, prevent attacks, and respond to harm. Raising awareness is necessary to ensure that stakeholders understand the nature and scope of important information infrastructure, as well as their various duties in preserving it.
- National Laws: G20 countries should incorporate critical infrastructure protection concepts and practises into their national laws. This will contribute to the development of a culture of enforcement and collaboration at both the national and international levels.
- Institutional system: It is necessary to establish an institutional system for ongoing research and the creation of new standards for securing critical infrastructure. Learning from initiatives such as the Christchurch Call, public-private partnerships can play a critical role in developing a global order for a secure online.
@the end
In today’s interconnected world, protecting crucial information infrastructure is critical. With its participation of major economies and dedication to international collaboration, the G20 plays a significant role in setting global rules for critical infrastructure protection. The G20 can facilitate conversations and foster consensus among member countries by adopting a common concept and definition of essential information infrastructure.
Source: https://www.orfonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/T20_Policy-Brief_TF7_730.pdf