Britian and France Join Forces to Combat the Growing Threat of ‘Hackers for Hire’
Representatives from 35 countries, alongside leaders from renowned technology and business firms, have gathered in London for a two-day inaugural conference hosted by the United Kingdom (UK) and France. The aim of the conference is to address the pressing issue of hackers for hire and the expanding market for cyber attack tools.
Corporate giants such as Apple, BAE Systems, Google, and Microsoft have confirmed their attendance at the event, as mentioned by the UK government in a statement. The conference will delve into strategies for tackling the commercial market for cyber snooping and attack tools, emphasizing the threats they pose to international security, human rights, and the stability of cyberspace.
Participants of the conference have already signed an international agreement known as the Pall Mall process, demonstrating their commitment to joint action against this growing menace.
According to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), the market for these cyber attack tools is doubling in size every ten years. The government statement added that the malicious use of these tools allows attackers to gain access to victims’ devices, eavesdrop on calls, obtain photos, and even remotely control cameras and microphones through zero-click spyware.
Notably, this issue poses not only a threat to private corporations in terms of corporate espionage, but also endangers national security, being susceptible to exploitation by hostile states, as stated by the UK government.
Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden, who will be co-leading the event with France, stressed the importance of collaboration with like-minded partners in addressing the issue. He highlighted that cyber threats do not respect borders, making it imperative to work together to minimize the growing risks.
Paul Chichester, the director of operations at NCSC, emphasized the increasing demand for the capability to launch malicious cyber operations. He stressed the need for a thriving global cyber security sector to ensure the integrity of our digital society.
In conclusion, the UK and France are taking a strong stance against the proliferation of hackers for hire and the expanding market for cyber attack tools. By bringing together key stakeholders from various countries and industries, they aim to collectively address the threats posed by these nefarious activities. This collaborative effort demonstrates the urgency and significance of combating cybercrime in order to protect international security, human rights, and the stability of cyberspace.
