Foreign Ministers of the Quad grouping have issued a joint statement on ransomware, targeting state-sponsored cybercrime from China, Russia, and Iran. This is the first of its kind and signifies their commitment to combatting malicious cyber activity against critical infrastructure. The statement was released following a meeting between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and counterparts Antony Blinken of the US, Penny Wong of Australia, and Hayashi Yoshimasa of Japan on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session in New York on Friday.
The ministers acknowledged the detrimental impact of ransomware on national security, the finance sector, critical infrastructure, and personal data protection. They also praised the progress made by 36 countries supporting the US-led Counter Ransomware Initiative and emphasized the importance of practical consultations against cybercrime in the Indo-Pacific region.
Furthermore, the Quad countries pledged to support each other in safeguarding the security and resilience of regional cyber infrastructure. They highlighted the need for collective action against malicious cyber activity, including ransomware, and emphasized their commitment to cooperation on capacity-building programs and initiatives to enhance cybersecurity and resilience against ransomware attacks in the Indo-Pacific.
The joint statement aims to address cyber threats primarily originating from actors in China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. The ministers underscored their collective determination to combat ransomware threats to the cyber infrastructure that drives economic development and security in the Indo-Pacific region. They also committed to further cooperation on capacity-building programs to enhance regional cybersecurity and counter ransomware attacks.
With the increasing adoption of fintech, India faces challenges from malicious cyber activities, such as Chinese loan apps. The Quad’s focus has expanded from maritime security to cybersecurity, reflecting a convergence of interests in critical areas. The ministers emphasized the importance of practical cooperation among Indo-Pacific partners to eliminate safe havens for ransomware actors in the region.
Furthermore, the Quad countries are dedicated to promoting an open, secure, stable, accessible, and peaceful cyberspace. They support regional initiatives to strengthen countries’ capacity to implement the UN Framework for Responsible State Behaviour in Cyberspace. The statement emphasizes the need for focused initiatives to enhance the cyber capabilities of Indo-Pacific countries to ensure the security and resilience of regional cyber infrastructure.
In conclusion, the ministers reiterated their commitment to addressing the global threat of ransomware, which hinders economic development and security in the Indo-Pacific region. They highlighted the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach to counter ransomware and emphasized the role of existing mechanisms like the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise in capacity building. The ministers also welcomed negotiations for a new UN cybercrime convention as a long-term solution to address cybercrime broadly, including ransomware. They stressed the importance of drafting the treaty in a technologically neutral and flexible manner to effectively combat criminal methodologies in cyberspace.
