Santisouk Simmalavong (centre) speaks at the 7th Asean Ministerial Conference on Cyber Security in Singapore. - VT
VIENTIANE (Vientiane Times/Asia News Network): Laos will continue to work with multilateral partners in the Asean bloc to counter cyber threats and related cyber security issues.
Deputy Minister of Technology and CommunicationsSantisouk Simmalavong confirmed Laos’ stance when addressing the 7th Singapore International Cyber Week and the 7th Asean Ministerial Conference on Cyber Security.
Cooperation with national and international development partners is one of the eight highlighted points in the Lao National Digital Economy Strategy for 2021-2030, he said.
Realising the importance of a strong cyber security agenda, the Ministry of Technology and Communications has upgraded LaoCERT (the national Computer Incident Response Team) to a new entity named the Department of Cyber Security.
The government also has enacted legislation to protect the users of online services and ensure safety in cyber space, including the Law on Cyber Crime and the Electronic Data Protection Law.
As additional measures, the government is drafting the Cyber Security Law and a cyber security strategy, which are expected to be complete by 2023.
“We believe these efforts will allow us to keep pace with many of the day-to-day cyber security incidents and serve as a vehicle and a potent instrument for developing integrated, manageable and participatory cyber security,” Santisouk said.
“We need to consult with line ministries to fulfil the national vision and international cooperation frameworks, which are in line with the theme of today’s discussions.”
“We wish to continue our discussions at more technical and comprehensive levels with other stakeholders,” he added.
The meeting, which is said to be the region’s most established cyber security event, is viewed as the ideal marketplace to discuss, network, strategise and form partnerships in the field of cyber security.
It brings together prominent global policymakers, thought leaders and industry experts, and is the platform of choice for advancing shared knowledge on key cyber security issues and solutions.
During the week, governments, industry and academia converge, bringing together elements such as international law, cyber norms of behaviour, and capacity building efforts to create a secure, trusted and resilient cyberspace.
The meeting underscores the need to strengthen cooperation with multilateral partners, for joint efforts to deal with cyber threats.
Participants will discuss issues such as the sharing of views on cyber security; the safe use of ICT, which includes the development of regulations, policies and infrastructure to enhance management; and update information on the joint activities of Asean member states.
Country representatives will share information and work together to find solutions and prevent and deal with potential current and future cyber threats.
