Governments across the world have in recent years been working towards one common goal – that of global connectivity through the proliferation of information and communications technologies. It is safe to say that today communications technologies underpin modern society and that their take-up is critical for the social and economic development of every nation.
Communications technologies have developed at a tremendous pace over the years. In Malta, just over 10 years ago, the first Internet Service Provider (ISP) licences were granted. From a few hundred internet subscriptions in 1995, Malta now has in excess of 80,000 internet users, more than half of whom are using broadband. Speeds have increased from 14,000 bits per second to two, and even four, million bits per second.
During the past year alone, several licences were issued for the deployment of new networks using different communications technologies such as Third Generation Mobile Telephony (3G), Digital Terrestrial TV and Broadband Wireless Access. These will translate into seven new nation-wide telecommunications infrastructures. These infrastructures are at the basis of many other national critical infrastructures such as those used by the financial sector, other utilities as well as the health and emergency services.
Unfortunately, as communications technologies have improved, so have the techniques used by skilled cyber-criminals with the result that most of the dangers our society faces now also exist in the online world. Critical communications infrastructures are increasingly under threat by hackers, professional and organised attackers, as well as malevolent or negligent employees. In addition, end-users do not always adopt the right measures to ensure secure use of networks. In our endeavours to promote global connectivity, we are therefore also faced with the sometimes daunting challenge of keeping the outside out and the inside in!
Child pornography, hacking, the spreading of malicious viruses, fraud involving electronic data and illegal invasion of privacy are but a few examples of crime the internet is facing today. Therefore, as important as it is to ensure global connectivity, it is of paramount importance that our interconnected and networked world is safeguarded from such crime as well as inadvertent or accidental breaches of security. It comes as no surprise therefore that the theme of ‘Promoting Global Cyber-security’ has been adopted by the International Telecommunications Union for the First Information Society Day.
All jurisdictions face significant challenges in seeking to strengthen cyber-security. By virtue of its very own nature, achieving cyber-security needs action at a global level. The issue of competent jurisdiction, applicable laws as well as cross-boarder enforcement all come into play. In this regard a vast number of initiatives are being undertaken in recognition of the fact that increased security will have a direct positive impact on the attainment of the social and economic benefits that the information society brings about.
These initiatives involve a very wide-ranging set of stakeholders having diverse objectives and representing governments, regulatory bodies, dedicated agencies, industry and consumer groups. Ensuring coherent and coordinated action by these various players in order to secure effective results and a real increase in the level of security at a national level, is the challenge that every government faces.
It is for this reason that the government has recently established a National eSecurity Working Group that strives towards the holistic coordination of public policy, national strategies and implementation measures. The Malta Communications Authority plays a lead role in this working group. The eSecurity Working Group will be drawing up a national eSecurity strategy to be implemented within the context of the national ICT strategy.
Furthermore the group will focus on awareness raising – to this end, it will be carrying out an ICT security review that will gauge public awareness on eSecurity among citizens and businesses and will recommend corrective measures to minimize risks. In addition, it will review the current legislation to include the ratification of the cyber crime convention and cater for the latest developments in eSecurity issues. There is much scope for action in terms of preventing criminal activity by enhancing the security of ICT infrastructures, creating a “culture of security” among online users and by ensuring that law enforcement officers have the appropriate means to act.
My ministry has implemented policies that have enabled the proliferation of state of the art communications infrastructures in Malta, allowing it to become one of the leading nations in the take up of information and communications technologies. It is now time to join the global effort in securing the on-line world by ensuring that these technological infrastructures are made as safe as possible and that the public makes proper use of them. To this end we will continue our collaboration with international organisations, including the ITU, the European Network and Information Security Agency, the EU High Level Group on Internet Governance and similar bodies, in the development of policies and legislation and in efforts to increase public awareness.
To this end, later this year the Malta Communications Authority shall be organising its annual conference specifically focusing on securing information networks within the context of upcoming developments at a global and EU level. Relevant to these discussions will be actions arising from the i2010 initiative, the commission’s strategy for increased security in electronic communications, as well as possible regulatory developments emanating from the review of the EU regulatory framework for electronic communications currently underway.
In order for our society and economies to continue to develop at the pace we have enjoyed over the past years, it is of vital importance that we instil confidence in online trade, e-Government, banking and numerous other online applications. Ensuring global cyber- security is therefore a goal that we must collectively strive to achieve.
Censu Galea is Competitiveness and Communications Minister