A/74/120 national security 2, the mass digitization of our societies over the past decade and the worldwide network of information and communication systems are leading to the emergence of both new threats and new opportunities. They allow everyone to access powerful tools for expression, influence, propaganda and information, huge volumes of data but also significant means of attack. They promote the rise in power of new private actors establishing themselves in the international arena and becoming at times a challenge the sovereignty of States but also at times ess ential partners. They are de facto transformers of the power relationships between State actors, non -State actors and the private sector. We all have a part to play in preserving, developing and promoting an open, secure, stable, accessible and peaceful cyberspace. In response to the common threats that affect international stability and security, France has been taking an active approach to policy and diplomacy for many years with a view to reinforcing security, trust and stability in cyberspace. 2. Efforts taken at the national level to strengthen cybersecurity and promote international cooperation in this field (a) Improving cybersecurity in France The strategic direction taken in recent years at the highest level of the Government of France continues to uphold cybersecurity as a priority area for action by the authorities. France continues to scale up and develop its national strategy. Over the past decade, measures taken have included the creation and scaling -up of the national agency for information systems security since 2009; the establishment of the first strategy for defence and information systems security in France in February 2011; the strengthening of legal tools and a substantial increase in the resources allocated to cybersecurity through the latest military programming laws; the publication of a cyberdefence pact by the Ministry of the Armed Forces in February 2014; and the development of a centre of excellence for cybersecurity that aims to drive the development of training, academic research and the industrial and technological base for cybersecurity. In follow-up to such measures, France is also implementing a policy of transparency within its strategy that is both national and international in nature. Since 2015, France has had a national strategy for digital security designed to support the digital transformation of French society. In terms of security, it puts forth the provision of a strong response to malicious cyberactivity and seeks to give French businesses a competitive advantage through digital security. In December 2017, this document was supplemented by the international digital strategy of France,3 which sets out the principles and objectives pursued by France in the digital sphere at the international level. This strategy is centred around three main pillars (governance, economics and security) and aims to: • promote a digital world that is open, diversified and trusted at the global level; • put forward a European model of balance between economic growth, fundamental rights and freedoms and security; • strengthen the influence, attractiveness, security and trade positions of France and French actors in the digital world. __________________ 2 3 19-10580 Available at www.defen se. gouv.fr/dgris/presentation/evenements-archives/revue-strategique- dedefense-et-de-securite-nationale-2017. Available at www.diplomatie. gouv.fr/IM G/p df/strategie_numer ique_a4_02_interactif_cle445 a6a.pdf. 17/39