The UN Secretary-General has warned that "the dangers of digital technology becoming a weapon are growing with each passing year", and the malicious activity in cyberspace is increasing by governments, non-governmental organizations and criminals, the Associated Press reported, quoted by BTA.
At the same time, António Guterres said that "the abuse of digital technologies is becoming more sophisticated and covert, malware and Trojan horses are proliferating" and cyber operations enabled by artificial intelligence are multiplying the threat.
In addition, he warned the UN Security Council that "quantum computers could destroy entire systems with their ability to break encryption".
On a positive note, Guterres said digital advances are "revolutionizing economies and societies", not only bringing people together, but also providing news, information and education, and enabling citizens to access government services and institutions.
But the instant connectivity that enables enormous benefits also leaves people, institutions and governments vulnerable, he said.
Guterres said that cyber security incidents have become "disturbingly frequent" - from disruptions in health, banking and telecommunications services to "non-stop illegal activity", including by criminal organizations and so-called "cyber mercenaries".
The Secretary-General also pointed to a "legion of hate mongers spreading fear and division on the information superhighway", as well as the increasing use of cyberspace as a weapon in conflict. "And the increasing integration of digital tools with weapons systems, including autonomous systems, presents a new vulnerability," he said.
Guterres said that software vulnerabilities are being exploited, and exploits are even being sold on the Internet.
"The use of malicious software (ransomware) is a serious example - a huge threat to public and private institutions and the critical infrastructure that people depend on,' he said. "According to some estimates, the total amount of payments due to the use of ransomware will reach $1.1 billion in 2023."
But the UN chief said that beyond these costs, such encroachments affect peace, security and stability within and between countries.
"Malicious activity that undermines public institutions, electoral processes and online integrity erodes trust, fuels tensions and even sows the seeds of violence and conflict,' he said.
Guterres calls for global efforts to ensure that cyberspace and artificial intelligence are regulated to ensure that they are geared towards promoting responsible behavior of these technologies.
He invited the leaders of the 193 UN member states to the Future Summit during their annual General Assembly meeting at the end of September and told the Council that it "represents a key chance to support the maintenance of international peace and security in cyberspace".