UN warns of increase in malicious cyber activities worldwide

American UN ambassador claims Russia is providing safe haven for hackers, which Moscow denies

The US has told UN Security Council that Russia is providing a safe haven for malicious cyber activity. PA

The UN on Thursday warned about an increase in malicious cyber activities by state, non-state actors and criminals.

“The misuse of digital technology is becoming more sophisticated and stealthy,” UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres told the 15-member Security Council.

“Malware, wipers and Trojans are proliferating. AI-enabled cyber operations are multiplying the threat, and quantum computing could break down entire systems with its ability to breach encryption."

Mr Guterres said cybersecurity incidents have become “disturbingly common” from disruptions to health, banking and telecommunications services to “relentless illicit activity” including by criminal organisations and so-called “cyber-mercenaries.”

Cyber security is an increasingly pressing concern for many countries.

Prior to the Security Council meeting, Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul read a statement on behalf of 63 countries recognising the challenge of the malicious use of cyberspace and welcoming the council’s focus on the issue for only the second time.

It said more council meetings and briefings are essential so that the UN’s most powerful body can “remain agile and relevant in light of the rapidly evolving technology” and especially its impact on international peace and security.

The US said $120 million in ransom has been paid to hackers in Russia, which it called a refuge for malicious cyber criminals.

“The Russian government has served as a safe-haven for ransomware actors who, in recent years, have caused billions of dollars of losses and significant damages to hospitals and other critical infrastructure,” said Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US ambassador to the UN.

Russia denied enabling malicious cyber activity and called for “professionalism” at the Security Council.

Britain voiced concerns about cyber threats including those from North Korea, and criticised Russia for its disinformation.

“For Russia to accuse the UK of running a disinformation war is astonishing when their own disinformation machine has been so obviously and clearly exposed, including here at the UN,” said UK ambassador Barbara Woodward.

“Cyber threats will present an ever-greater number of risks to international peace and security, and governments need to evolve to address them effectively."

This month, a pro-Kremlin hacker group claimed responsibility for what appeared to be a synchronised cyber assault on the websites of Dutch political parties and EU institutions, on the first day of the European elections.

The council's open debate comes weeks after Russia used its power of veto to disrupt UN investigations into how North Korea’s hacking activities are funding the country’s weapons programmes, which are under sanctions.

This is the second formal debate on cyber security being convened by the UN Security Council in its history.