Partnering with Global Cyber Alliance on Open Standards, Routing Security, and More

Our work is strengthened, and our impact magnified, when we collaborate with partners to build a secure and trustworthy Internet for all. That’s why we’re proud to announce we’ve entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Global Cyber Alliance (GCA) to work together on routing security, open Internet standards, and other areas of joint interest. The Global Cyber Alliance is an international, cross-sector effort dedicated to reducing cyber risk and improving our connected world.

This relationship is not new. The Internet Society and GCA have a long history of working together, from promoting email and Internet of Things (IoT) security to improving routing security, increasing deployment of open standards, and helping stakeholders participate meaningfully in the multistakeholder management of core Internet resources.

Both organizations have emphasized the importance of research, capacity building, and advocacy to develop key technologies and policies. This work helps promote the Internet, its resources, the need for vigilant user-enabled security, and the need for the Internet to remain open, inclusive, and an enabler of opportunities.

“We’re proud to extend and formalize our long-standing relationship with GCA to create real change for network operators and Internet users around the globe. By joining forces, we can promote enhanced security so that individuals and organizations are better secured when connecting to the Internet. We can also mobilize and empower communities to address Internet challenges of cyber risk,” said Joseph Lorenzo Hall, Senior Vice President, Strong Internet at the Internet Society.

Our work together is especially notable in two key areas:

1. Routing security. As GCA and MANRS announced, work is underway on a survey of network operators to learn more about the current state of routing security implementation, the level of concern within network operations and business decision making, and any plans for next steps. If you are a network operator, we encourage you to take the survey!
2. Cybersecurity. The GCA Cybersecurity Toolkit for Small Business provides practical resources that organizations and individuals can use to improve their cyber defenses. This correlates to the Internet Society’s projects on Open Standards Everywhere and Encryption.

“Strengthening our partnership with ISOC helps us build a better understanding of Internet security policy, technology, and risk prevention amongst stakeholders. We look forward to sharing more ideas and experiences and collaborating on other projects that will bring about a better Internet for us all,” said Terry Wilson, Global Partnership Officer at the Global Cyber Alliance.