ITU and ABI Research have presented the Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI), an initiative to measure the levels of cybersecurity in countries around the world. The long-term objective is to drive further efforts in the adoption and integration of cybersecurity on a global scale.
The GCI was presented during the forum on Measuring Countries’ Readiness and Build Capacity on Cybersecurity, held at ITU’s World Telecommunication Development Conference in Dubai from March 30 April 10.
A comparison of national cybersecurity strategies will reveal the countries with the highest rankings, and highlight the lesser-known but successful cybersecurity strategies. Based on questionnaire responses received by ITU member states, a first analysis of cybersecurity development in the Arab region was compiled and one for the Africa region is under way. The aim is to release a global status of cybersecurity for 2014.
“Greater connectivity also brings with it greater risk,” says ITU Secretary-General Hamadoun I. Touré. “As our physical and cyber worlds overlap, there is an increased need to address the related challenges of ensuring security, human rights, rule of law, good governance and economic development.”
Brahima Sanou, Director of ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau, adds: “In embracing technological progress, cybersecurity must form an integral and invisible part of that process. Unfortunately, cybersecurity is not yet at the core of many national and industrial technology strategies.
“Countries need to be aware of their current capability level in cybersecurity and, at the same time, identify areas where cybersecurity needs to be enhanced,” stresses Sanou.
Add Comment