A/72/315 As the result of the collection, review and assessment of information generated within the scope of meetings and common-sense platforms, a national cybersecurity strategy and action plan for the period 2016-2019 was prepared. Strengthening information security at the global level and thereby developing a security culture within the international community is a crucial matter for everyone. At the same time every State has the right to take measures to protect itself from the malicious use of ICTs by terrorists, extremists, organized criminal groups and freelance hackers for the preservation of national security. In that context, strengthening international legislation and enhancing bilateral international agreements is also of great importance. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [Original: English] [31 July 2017] The United Kingdom welcomes the opportunity to respond to General Assembly resolution 71/28 on developments in the field of information and telecommunications in the context of international security, which builds upon its response to resolution 70/237 in 2016. The United Kingdom uses its preferred terminology of “cybersecurity” and related concepts throughout its response, to avoid confusion, given the different interpretations of the term “information security” in this context. The United Kingdom recognizes cyberspace as a fundamental element of securing critical national and international infrastructure and an essential foundation for economic and social activity online. Actual and potential threats posed by activities in cyberspace continue to be of great concern. The new national cybersecurity strategy, published in October 2016, will shape the country’s efforts over the next five years to defend its assets, deter its adversaries and develop its cybersecurity sector. The United Kingdom continues to take a leading role in the international debate on cybersecurity. It provided experts at all five Groups of Governmental Experts on Developments in the Field of Information and Telecommunications in the Context of International Security. Despite the lack of consensus in the 2017 group, the country is committed to promoting an international stability framework for cyberspace based on the application of existing international law, agreed voluntary norms of responsible State behaviour and confidence -building measures, supported by coordinated capacity-building programmes. The United Kingdom also welcomes efforts of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and other regional forums to provide proposals for implementing confidence -building measures and will look to continue to lead by example in adopting such measures. This response outlines the work of the United Kingdom on supporting and improving cybersecurity and sharing best practice domestically and worldwide, including with international partners to tackle cybercrime, major incidents and building capacity. The United Kingdom looks forward to seeing further progress and is pleased to be actively engaged on these issues. It will continue to participate fully in strengthening capability and international cooperation on cybersecurity. 17-13876 25/25