Cyber security has become an international industry. For all of the talk of hackers trying to gain access to an individual’s bank records and personal data, it is still the case that most cyber attacks are done at a higher level, and with grander ambitions. Most cyber criminals would still rather succeed in hacking into a wealthy corporation than a private individual.
Back in 2018, many of the world’s largest tech companies announced the signing of a charter to indicate their shared response to the threat of cyber crime. This charter intended to stop criminals from gaining access to both customers and companies. By working together on cyber security the companies aim to created joint defence strategies which will collaborate to ‘oppose efforts to misuse, tamper with or exploit’ with the companies’ products and services.
Now, the number of members has grown to 16, with signatories to the charter now including high profile tech companies such as Dell Technologies, Cisco, Atos, Microsoft, IBM, Siemens and Deutsche Telekom. It sets out a number of agreements and demands, both from the companies who have signed it and their respective governments. These include asking governments to assume responsibility for cyber security, and demands that companies introduce third party certification on their most critical protocols.
With the recent developments in interconnectivity of devices around the home and workplace (many of whom are produced by these companies), there is a need for a matching development of security programmes. Hackers have made strides in getting around existing defences, and with new potential weak links forming every day there is no time to spare in creating better protective strategies.
That these companies have decided to work together is a positive sign and a good start. Cyber security works best if everyone works together. Becoming a part of the future of security is working with the best people you can.
