OSCE can play important role in cyber security, says Estonian Defence Minister

VIENNA, 4 June 2008 - The international community has woken up to the threat of cyber attacks and the OSCE can play a big part in dealing with it, the Estonian Defence Minister said today.

"We have to realize that any new technology can be used as a weapon. The threat of cyber security is very real. Now that the international community has indeed woken up, I am hopeful that the momentum will not be lost," said Jaak Aaviksoo in an address to a joint meeting of the OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation and the Permanent Council.

"There is an immense amount of work to be done, and the OSCE as a multinational organization is a very good place to do it."

Estonia was a target of cyber attacks in April-May 2007, and the Minister said it had faced attacks from servers in 75 different countries.

Minister Aaviksoo said that Estonia has developed a National Cyber Defence Strategy, which details areas for increasing cyber security on a national level.

He urged all countries to join the Council of Europe's Cybercrime Convention, one of the few international treaties that exist on this matter.

Speaking about the NATO Co-operative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence in Estonia, he said that it was not an institution with military aims, rather for expertise, scientific research and development, where the nature and various means of cyber attacks that have been used can be studied. The Centre helps develop co-operation between countries that have recognized the challenge of cyber security. Both NATO member and non-member countries can join it.

The Forum for Security Co-operation meets every week to discuss arms control, military confidence-building measures and disarmament. It is distinct from the Permanent Council, the OSCE's political decision-making body. They occasionally hold joint sessions.