The cybersecurity threat landscape is rapidly evolving. It encompasses a wide range of threats, from attacks against critical infrastructure, phishing and DDoS to ransomware and supply chain attacks. Attacks are increasing in variety, numbers, and sophistication, placing significant pressure on both the public and private sectors. Cybersecurity challenges will continue to expand as global reliance on digital technologies and services increases, and new threats, such as AI-powered cyberattacks, emerge.
States have a particular responsibility to develop a robust national cybersecurity and incident response ecosystem that serves all national stakeholders and contributes to international cooperation. Effective national cyber incident response requires, among other elements, a clear legal framework and mandate, well-defined administrative and operational response structures and lines of authority, and adequate resources, including skilled personnel and technical capabilities. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, international cooperation can significantly complement national efforts to build incident response capacity. As highlighted in its 2024 Annual Progress Report, the Open-ended Working Group (OEWG) could serve as a platform for sharing best practices.
This thematic side-event aims to facilitate the exchange of views and lessons learned regarding the challenges and opportunities in developing national cybersecurity and incident response capabilities and capacity. Latvia, the Dominican Republic and Indonesia are among regional leaders in developing robust national cybersecurity architectures. By bringing together practitioners with firsthand experience in building national cyber incident response capacity, this event will provide valuable cross-regional insights into the key factors that determine the success of these efforts. The event will be co-organized by Latvia and UNIDIR and the main idea of the discussions is to provide an overview of the current state of international incident response preparedness and share insights of existing national practices in different parts of the world.
When and where
Tuesday, 18 February 2025, 13:15–14:30 EST, UNHQ Conference Room 8 (TBC)
Agenda
Opening remarks
- Edgars Kiukucāns, Director of the Cybersecurity Policy Department, Ministry of Defence, Latvia
Moderated by Jānis Kārkliņš, Ambassador at Large on UN Global Agenda, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Latvia
Speakers
- Samuele Dominioni, Researcher (global overview of international incident response preparedness, Security Technology Programme, UNIDIR
- Carlos Leonardo, Head of National CSIRT of the Dominican Republic
- Baiba Kaškina, Director, CERT Latvia
Closing remarks
- Ambassador Hari Prabowo, Chargé d’affaires of Permanent Mission of Indonesia to the UN
*The panel discussion will be followed by Q&A session.