We must ensure that cyberspace does not become 'Wild West'

TALLINN – Estonian President Alar Karis took part in a panel discussion at the Paris Peace Forum on Friday on the rules of the internet, noting that nations must ensure that the cyberspace does not turn into a "Wild West" where malicious activity goes unnoticed.

"Even a small group of bad guys can carry out large-scale attacks in cyberspace. Estonia has strongly developed the possibilities of the digital state, but their rapid progress has also led us to pay more attention to cyber security and education," Karis said.

The head of state emphasized that the existing international law applies in cyberspace and that no new norms need to be created. The discussion's participants found that countries are responsible for enforcing existing rules, identifying those disregarding the rules and prosecuting them where necessary. It was considered important that countries pay significantly more attention to cyber security, which requires very good coordination and planning at national level. It was also noted that good international cooperation is very important in catching cybercriminals.

Estonia has hosted the world's first discussion on cyber security in the UN Security Council to raise everyone's awareness of new security threats.

In addition to Karis, Microsoft vice chairman and president Brad Smith, chairman of the UN cyber security open taskforce and ambassador Burhan Gafoor and US deputy national security advisor for cyber and emerging technology Anne Neuberger participated in the panel discussion.