The Imperative of Collaborative Cybersecurity

Inglis highlighted a central theme resonating throughout the GCF: “cohesive scaling.” He explained that this concept underscores the necessity of not just concurrent, but truly collaborative action. “Scale is what lies before us,” he stated, emphasizing the vast array of actors – both malicious and protective – involved in the cybersecurity landscape. “We must scale this effort because we’re being crowdsourced by a vast array of actors… So I think the buzz is what do we do together as opposed to the single point solutions that might be offered by the technologist alone.”

Cybercrime: A Universal Concern

The conversation shifted to the global nature of cybercrime, a topic Inglis believes offers a unique opportunity for collective action. “The reality of cybercrime is it’s perhaps a more appealing, more transcendent issue to focus collective action on, because every citizen, regardless of what nation he or she might be from, cares about crime and wants to live in a world where they’re not going to be thwarted or taken down by somebody that takes advantage of digital infrastructure that’s not quite fit for purpose.”

Inglis proposed a shift in focus from identifying perpetrators to bolstering resilience. “What if we just made it too hard for them to succeed?” he posited. “I then don’t need to find each and every one of those that’s transgressed and succeeded against me. I actually am in a better place because they decided today not to try or they failed in trying in the first place.” This approach prioritizes building robust digital infrastructure capable of withstanding attacks, rather than solely focusing on reactive measures.

The Shadow of Nation-State Backed Criminals

The increasing entanglement of criminal groups with nation-states presents a particularly thorny challenge. Inglis acknowledged this reality, stating, “We’re being too kind. Sometimes, criminal enterprises are nation states.” He cited North Korea as an example, where cybercrime serves as a significant revenue stream. However, he stressed the importance of transparency and open collaboration in addressing this threat. “We have the right on the defensive side to not simply collaborate, but to do so in the light of day… talking about what our common aspirations are for our citizens.”

This collaborative spirit, Inglis believes, can be a powerful countermeasure. “Let’s crowdsource the other side,” he urged, mirroring the tactics employed by adversaries.

Navigating the Expiration of CISA and Information Sharing

The recent expiration of CISA 2015 in the United States, impacting information sharing between government and the private sector, was also addressed. Inglis expressed concern about the loss of legal authority and liability protections, but remained optimistic. “If it was truly valuable in the first place, then I hope, imagine and am confident that that degree of sharing still goes on. That form should follow function.” He emphasized the need to reinstate the legislation while acknowledging that valuable collaboration likely continues informally. Brookings Institute offers further analysis on the implications of CISA’s expiration.

AI and the Future of Cyber Warfare

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential application to cyber warfare raised concerns. Inglis cautioned against the development of fully autonomous weapon systems, stating, “Do we want weapon systems that can change sides in the middle of a war? Of course not.” However, he acknowledged the potential benefits of AI-augmented systems, provided human accountability remains central. He drew a parallel to Isaac Asimov’s three laws of robotics, suggesting a similar ethical framework for AI development: “It should never hurt a human being. Two, it should obey human beings. And three, it should protect itself. In that order.”

What safeguards are necessary to ensure AI remains a tool for defense, rather than a catalyst for escalation? And how can international norms be established to govern the responsible development and deployment of AI in the cyber domain?

Frequently Asked Questions About Global Cybersecurity

• What is the primary focus of the Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF)?

  The GCF centers on “cohesive scaling” – fostering collaborative action and expanding cybersecurity efforts to meet the growing scale of global threats.

• How does Chris Inglis view the role of international cooperation in combating cybercrime?

  Inglis believes international cooperation is crucial, as cybercrime is a universal concern that transcends national boundaries and impacts all citizens.

• What is Inglis’s perspective on the expiration of CISA 2015 in the United States?

  Inglis is concerned about the loss of legal protections but optimistic that information sharing will continue due to its inherent value.

• What are the key concerns surrounding the use of AI in cyber warfare?

  The primary concern is the potential for autonomous AI systems to operate independently of human control, leading to unintended consequences and escalation.

• What is the importance of “resilience” in the context of cybersecurity?

  Resilience focuses on building robust digital infrastructure that can withstand attacks, reducing the impact of successful breaches and minimizing the need to constantly chase down perpetrators.