There is a growing emphasis among Member States on the need to support the implementation of the Framework for Responsible State Behaviour in the ICT environment (the Framework), including through dedicated guidance, assistance, and dedicated capacity-building efforts.

In response to this demand and to increase the cybersecurity and resilience of Member States, the UNIDIR Security and Technology programme conducted a research study with three main objectives, which are to identify foundational cyber capabilities, strengthen States’ ability to effectively prevent or mitigate the impact of selected malicious ICT activities, and design a tool to better identify requirements and prioritize capacity-building interventions.

The outcomes of the research project can be found in these two publications. The first report, Part I. Mapping the Foundational Cyber Capabilities, is centered on the concept of Foundational Cyber Capabilities (FCCs), which are defined as the combination of policies and regulations, processes and structures, partnerships and networks, people and skills, and technology necessary to implement the Framework.

The second report, Part II. Introducing a Threat-Based Approach, proposes an approach that would allow governments to better assess their readiness to leverage the Framework to prevent or respond to specific malicious ICT activities and threats.

Citation: Samuele Dominioni and Giacomo Persi Paoli (2023) "Unpacking Cyber Capacity-Building Needs: Part I. Mapping the Foundational Cyber Capabilities", UNIDIR, Geneva, Switzerland