Initiative seeks to strengthen international cybersecurity

The United States has joined Australia, India, and Japan in initiating the Quad Cyber Challenge, which seeks to improve cybersecurity across the nations.

“We are inviting Internet users across the Indo-Pacific and beyond to join the Challenge and pledge to practice safe and responsible cyber habits,” the Quad partners noted via a statement. “The Challenge reflects our continuing Quad efforts to strengthen individuals’ and communities’ cyber security awareness and action, as well as to foster a more secure and resilient cyber ecosystem to benefit economies and users everywhere.”

According to the Challenge, the endeavor provides resources that include basic cybersecurity information and training for users ranging from corporations to educational institutions, small businesses, and individuals from grade school students to the elderly – culminating in events during the week of April 10.

“Internet users worldwide are targets of cybercrime and other malicious cyber threats that can cost trillions of dollars each year and compromise sensitive personal data,” the Quad partners concluded. “Many cyber attacks can be guarded against by simple preventive measures. Together, Internet users and providers can take small steps to significantly improve cybersecurity and cyber safety.”

The Quad indicated cybersecurity steps that can be taken include routinely installing security updates; enabling enhanced identity checks through multi-factor authentication; utilizing stronger and regularly changing passphrases; and identifying common online scams, like phishing.