The US, UK, China and Russia are among 15 nations that have
agreed to work together to reduce the threat of cyber attacks.
The agreement, signed at the UN, represents a significant change
in US posture, said Robert Knake, a cyberwarfare expert with the
Council on Foreign Relations. Participation of the US
demonstrates the Obama administration's strategy of diplomatic
engagement, he said. The group has recommended the UN creates
norms of accepted behaviour in cyberspace. It should also
exchange information on national legislation and cybersecurity
strategies, and strengthen the capacity of less-developed
countries to protect their computer systems. When the group last
met in 2005, they failed to find common ground. This time, by
crafting a short text that left out controversial elements, they
were able to reach a consensus. In the past, US efforts to work
with other countries in cyberspace have centred on combatting
crimes online, but did not deal with issues such as state
involvement in or responsibility for