1.5e Update: Norms of Responsible State Behavior in Cyberspace - Beyond the UN Group of Government Experts (UNGGE)
Tracks
Track 5
Tuesday, November 10, 2020 |
1:30 PM - 2:25 PM |
Speaker
Rtd US Army Major General John Davis
Vice President Public Sector
Palo Alto Networks
.
Abstract
In cyberspace, there are no agreed rules that describe and govern what type of behavior is and is not acceptable. There have been several efforts in this direction, notably the U.S.-China Cyber Agreement and work from the United Nations, in particular the UN Group of Government Experts (UNGGE). Unfortunately, the U.N. initiative faltered when several key countries backed out from the original agreement. Similarly, gaps in trust have led to concerns about a breakdown of the U.S.-China Cyber Agreement. Despite stumbles, these efforts provide a valuable starting point for creating a set of norms. The U.N. addressed a number of unacceptable actions for nations to take against another country such as attacking critical infrastructure, interfering with emergency response efforts, or using foreign networks to deploy wrongful acts. The U.S.-China Cyber Agreement attempted to codify the banning of intellectual property theft for profit. We cannot afford to let our progress towards setting international cyber norms be impeded any longer, nor can we afford to ignore the problem. There is too much at stake, namely our entire digital way of life. While addressing these broad challenges is ultimately the responsibility of governments around the world, our efforts to define norms for cyberspace behavior must also actively involve private industry, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and academia. In collaborating with colleagues around the world, John Davis has identified five norms that responsible nations should follow during peacetime to improve our common understanding, ensure oversight of cyber activities and engage additional responsible partners.
Biography
Retired U.S. Army Major General John Davis is the Vice President, Public Sector for Palo Alto Networks, where he is responsible for expanding cybersecurity initiatives and global policy for the international public sector and assisting governments around the world to successfully prevent cyber breaches.
Prior to joining Palo Alto Networks, John served as the Senior Military Advisor for Cyber to the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy and served as the Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Cyber Policy. Prior to this assignment, he served in multiple leadership positions in special operations, cyber, and information operations.
John earned a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College, Master of Military Art and Science from U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, and Bachelor of Science from U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
