Mehdi Snene
Senior Advisor AI and Digital Transformation,
Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies, United Nations
Cybersecurity investments prevent financial losses, yet global security remains fragmented. The UN’s new cybercrime treaty enhances international cooperation, tackling threats, protecting vulnerable groups and strengthening digital resilience worldwide.
Traditional investments focus on financial growth and efficiency while cybersecurity investments aim to prevent financial losses, disruptions and reputational damage. This leads to the concept of Return on Security Investment (ROSI), where the value lies in loss prevention rather than profit. Underinvestment in security creates industry-wide disparities, with vulnerabilities potentially impacting the entire digital ecosystem.
Organisations vulnerable to cyber threats
As cyber threats grow in sophistication and frequency, fragmented security measures leave organisations and nations vulnerable. A global, coordinated response is no longer optional but an imperative. Only through an international cybersecurity treaty can we establish the collective defence necessary to protect digital infrastructure and ensure global resilience.
As cyber threats grow in sophistication
and frequency, fragmented security measures
leave organisations and nations vulnerable.
A landmark step: the UN Convention against cybercrime
In December 2024, the UN General Assembly, adopted by consensus the Convention Against Cybercrime, marking the first global treaty of its kind. This landmark agreement strengthens international cooperation in countering cyber threats.
With nearly 70% of the world’s population online, cybercriminals leverage malware, ransomware and hacking to compromise digital systems, many times targeting individuals, businesses and governments.
While trying to meet these risks, the Convention promotes fast electronic evidence exchange, cross-border investigation and international legal cooperation. It will enhance the tracking, investigation and prosecution capabilities of law enforcement through a 24/7 network with cooperation in mutual legal assistance, asset recovery and extradition.
Strengthening protections for vulnerable groups
The recent Convention marks a monumental step forward in safeguarding the wellbeing of children in the digital age. By addressing the pervasive issue of online exploitation, this global agreement establishes a robust framework for governments to tackle the various threats facing minors in cyberspace. Not only does the treaty reinforce legal measures to combat harmful activities targeting children online, but it also underscores the importance of providing comprehensive support to victims.
With this Convention, nations now have a structured mechanism to combat cybercrime. Businesses operating in the global digital economy must align their security strategies with these international efforts to strengthen cyber resilience.
