UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted the dual-edged nature of cyberspace on Thursday, stressing its potential for immense benefits and significant risks when misused.

Mr Guterres underscored the transformative power of digital technologies at a Security Council high-level debate on evolving threats in cyberspace, convened by the Republic of Korea, Council President for June.

“Breakthroughs in digital technologies are happening at warp speed; digital advances are revolutionising economies and societies. They are bringing people together, providing citizens with access to government services and institutions and supercharging economies, trade and financial inclusion,” he said.

He, however, cautioned that the seamless and instant connectivity that fuels these benefits also makes people, institutions and countries vulnerable.

“The perils of weaponising digital technologies are growing by the year,” he warned. “Malicious activity in cyberspace is on the rise by both state and non-state actors and by outright criminals.”

The UN chief warned that malicious cyber activities are rising, with serious cybersecurity incidents becoming “disturbingly common”.

Essential public services such as healthcare, banking and telecommunications are frequently breached, and criminal organisations and “cyber mercenaries” engage in relentless illicit activities.

Additionally, a “legion of hate merchants” is spreading fear and division online.

“So-called civilian ‘hacktivists’ are entering the fray, and in many cases are blurring the line between combatants and civilians,” he said.

Mr Guterres said integrating digital tools with weapon systems, including autonomous systems, presents new vulnerabilities.

With the proliferation of malware software, the misuse of digital technology is becoming more sophisticated and stealthier. Artificial intelligence-enabled cyber operations further amplify the threat.

“Ransomware is one grievous example,” the UN chief underscored, “a huge threat to public and private institutions and the critical infrastructure people depend on.”

In 2023, total ransomware payments reached $1.1 billion.

Beyond financial costs, malicious cyber activities undermine public institutions, electoral processes and online integrity, eroding trust, fuelling tensions and sowing the seeds of violence and conflict.

Despite the threats, Mr Guterres emphasised the “incredible opportunity” digital technology offers to create a more just, equal, sustainable and peaceful future.

He called for breakthroughs to be oriented toward the common good, highlighting his proposed New Agenda for Peace that places prevention at the core of all peace efforts.

“It calls for developing strong frameworks in line with international law, human rights and the UN Charter and focused efforts by all states to prevent the extension and escalation of conflicts within and through cyberspace,” he said. “As reflected in the New Vision for the Rule of Law, the rule of law must exist in the digital sphere as it does in the physical world.”

(NAN)