OSCE contributes to the 2021 Kuban Cyber-Security Conference on protection against cyber threats

The OSCE Transnational Threats Department (TNTD) contributed to the 2021 Kuban Cyber-Security Conference held online and in-person in Krasnodar, Russia on 23 and 24 June 2021. The purpose of the conference was to provide an open platform for dialogue between representatives of state authorities, businesses, experts and youth on topical issues related to protection against cyber threats.

The conference is organized by the Administration of the Krasnodar Territory; the Analytical Agency for Computer Security, a non-profit organization; the Association for Digital Development and Communications of the Krasnodar Territory; and the Kuban State Technological University.

Szilvia Toth, OSCE Cyber Security Officer, took part in a panel discussion dedicated to the development of common approaches to cooperation in the field of international information communication technology (ICT) security. She presented the OSCE’s efforts in developing and implementing cyber/ICT security Confidence-Building Measures. She also announced that a Russian language version of OSCE’s e-learning course about the measures will be published in July 2021.

Denise Mazzolani, Deputy Head of the OSCE’s Strategic Police Matters Unit, contributed to a plenary session on “Countering the Criminal Use of ICTs: Prospects for International Cooperation”. She focused on the OSCE’s work to enhance the criminal justice response to cybercrime, while upholding human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law.

During her presentation, Mazzolani explained how the OSCE has a mandate to facilitate capacity building and the exchange of information and best practices in investigating cybercrime and dealing with cyber evidence at regional and national levels. She also emphasized that the OSCE, in its endeavours to enhance co-operation on cyber issues and cybercrime, complements the efforts of other international organizations to avoid duplications, reinforce synergies and capitalize on previous experiences.