In addressing the growing threats posed by cyber attackers, especially those backed by nation-states and local scammers operating globally, strategic policy coalitions are deemed essential, according to Sean Joyce, partner and global cyber security leader at consultancy firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).
As a former deputy director of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Joyce emphasized the need for a global coalition with common standards across multiple countries to combat cyber threats effectively. He pointed out that the main challenge in apprehending cyber criminals is their ability to operate outside the jurisdiction where the crime is committed. Joyce stressed the importance of exchanging information and resources more efficiently to tackle cyber crime on a global scale.
The call for global policy and operational coordination to combat cyber crimes has gained momentum worldwide. The World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Cybercrime Atlas initiative, in collaboration with Interpol’s ‘Operation Serengeti,’ resulted in the arrest of 1,006 cyber criminals across 19 countries and the recovery of over $192 million in stolen assets. These coordinated efforts underscore the significance of international cooperation in combating cyber threats.
Joyce suggested that forming informal coalitions based on mutually agreed norms could serve as a starting point in addressing cyber security challenges. He emphasized the pivotal role of central law enforcement agencies in facilitating coordination among nations to combat advanced persistent threats (APTs) orchestrated by sophisticated nation-state actors.
In India, the issue of coordination among law enforcement bodies remains a significant obstacle in combating cyber crimes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the prevalence of ‘digital arrests,’ where cyber scammers defraud individuals by impersonating law enforcement officials. Sivarama Krishnan, cyber security leader at PwC India, identified the lack of coordination among law enforcement agencies as a key factor delaying investigations into cyber crimes.
Despite initiatives such as empowering India’s Computer Emergency Response Team (Cert-In) as a cyber incident reporting platform, the lack of centralized coordination hampers efforts to combat cyber crimes effectively. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) reported substantial losses due to cybercrime, underscoring the urgent need for a centrally coordinated body to streamline investigations and enhance recovery efforts.
Global cyber security experts have stressed the importance of industry collaborations and partnerships to combat cybercrime. Natalia Umansky, project coordinator at WEF’s Cybercrime Atlas, highlighted the promising signs of cross-border coordination efforts and emphasized the role of public-private partnerships in creating a hostile environment for cyber criminals on the internet.
In conclusion, the need for better international policy coalitions and enhanced coordination among law enforcement agencies is crucial to effectively combat cyber threats posed by nation-state attackers and cyber scammers. By fostering global cooperation and implementing common standards, stakeholders can work towards creating a safer cyberspace for individuals and businesses worldwide.