Cyber Defence Pledge 08 Jul 2016 - Press Release 2016 124 Issued on 08 Jul 2016 Last updated 08 Jul 2016 19 37 1 In recognition of the new realities of security threats to NATO we the Allied Heads of State and Government pledge to ensure the Alliance keeps pace with the fast evolving cyber threat landscape and that our nations will be capable of defending themselves in cyberspace as in the air on land and at sea 2 We reaffirm our national responsibility in line with Article 3 of the Washington Treaty to enhance the cyber defences of national infrastructures and networks and our commitment to the indivisibility of Allied security and collective defence in accordance with the Enhanced NATO Policy on Cyber Defence adopted in Wales We will ensure that strong and resilient cyber defences enable the Alliance to fulfil its core tasks Our interconnectedness means that we are only as strong as our weakest link We will work together to better protect our networks and thereby contribute to the success of Allied operations 3 We welcome the work of Allies and the EU on enhancing cyber security which contributes to reinforcing resilience in the Euro-Atlantic region and we support further NATO – EU cyber defence co-operation as agreed We reaffirm the applicability of international law in cyberspace and acknowledge the work done in relevant international organisations including on voluntary norms of responsible state behaviour and confidence-building measures in cyberspace We recognise the value of NATO’s partnerships with partner nations industry and academia including through the NATO Industry Cyber Partnership 4 We emphasise NATO’s role in facilitating co-operation on cyber defence including through multinational projects education training and exercises and information exchange in support of national cyber defence efforts We will ensure that our Alliance is cyber aware cyber trained cyber secure and cyber enabled 5 We Allied Heads of State and Government pledge to strengthen and enhance the cyber defences of national networks and infrastructures as a matter of priority Together with the continuous adaptation of NATO’s cyber defence capabilities as part of NATO’s long term adaptation this will reinforce the cyber defence and overall resilience of the Alliance We will I Develop the fullest range of capabilities to defend our national infrastructures and networks This includes addressing cyber defence at the highest strategic level within our defence related organisations further integrating cyber defence into operations and extending coverage to deployable networks II Allocate adequate resources nationally to strengthen our cyber defence capabilities III Reinforce the interaction amongst our respective national cyber defence stakeholders to deepen co-operation and the exchange of best practices IV Improve our understanding of cyber threats including the sharing of information and assessments V Enhance skills and awareness among all defence stakeholders at national level of fundamental cyber hygiene through to the most sophisticated and robust cyber defences VI Foster cyber education training and exercising of our forces and enhance our educational institutions to build trust and knowledge across the Alliance VII Expedite implementation of agreed cyber defence commitments including for those national systems upon which NATO depends 6 To track progress on the delivery of our Pledge we task an annual assessment based on agreed metrics and we will review progress at our next summit