Cybersecurity Squad Strengthens Indo-Pacific, Boosts Collaboration.

The Quad alliance, consisting of India, Australia, Japan, and the United States, recently reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining cybersecurity in the Indo-Pacific region. They acknowledged the significant role of international law in cyberspace and expressed concern about the increase in cyber attacks on critical regional infrastructure. Notable points from the discussion include:

• The partnership will focus on advancing digital technology, preserving connectivity, and building resilience, specifically working towards enhancing the defense capabilities of government networks and critical infrastructure against cybersecurity breaches.
• An agreement was made to support the Quad Cybersecurity Partnership’s Joint Principles, focusing on Secure Software, Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity, Resilience and Security of Supply Chain, and Cyber Awareness via Quad Cyber Challenge events.
• Members of the Quad welcomed the idea of sharing cyber resources through capacity building projects to improve infrastructure security.
• The need for reliable, secure, and resilient supply chains for critical sectors was also reiterated.
• Cybersecurity collaboration sectors including digital infrastructure (undersea cables, telecommunication networks, cloud services) were discussed.
• The group affirmed their collective commitment to working with Indo-Pacific countries to deliver practical outcomes supporting capacity building in the region through the Quad Senior Cyber Group (QSCG).

In light of the growing sophistication and frequency of cyber attacks, the Quad members discussed the importance of enhancing cooperation in securing the resilience of information technology & operational technology systems in the critical infrastructural sector. They also reviewed the crucial role of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and machine learning.

The Quad members recognized the need to leverage each member’s strength and resources to advance cyber initiatives aimed at promoting a secure cyberspace. The allies concluded by reaffirming their commitment towards a free, open, inclusive, and resilient Indo-Pacific, promptly focusing on preparations for the upcoming Quad Leaders’ Meeting.