A/70/174 I. Introduction 1. Pursuant to General Assembly resolution 68/243 on developments in the field of information and telecommunications in the context of international security, the Secretary-General, on the basis of equitable geographical distribution, established a group of governmental experts to continue to study, with a view to promoting common understandings, existing and potential threats in the sphere of information security and possible cooperative measures to address them, including norms, rules or principles of responsible behaviour of States and confidence -building measures, the issues of the use of information and communications technologies (ICTs) in conflicts and how international law applies to the use of ICTs by States, as well as relevant international concepts aimed at strengthening the security of global information and telecommunications systems. 2. An open, secure, stable, accessible and peaceful ICT environment is essential for all and requires effective cooperation among States to reduce risks to international peace and security. The present report reflects the recommendations of the Group of Governmental Experts on Developme nts in the Field of Information and Telecommunications in the Context of International Security and builds upon the work of previous Groups (see A/65/201 and A/68/98). The Group examined relevant international concepts and possible cooperative measures pertinent to its mandate. It reaffirmed that it is in the interest of all States to promote the use of ICTs for peaceful purposes and to prevent conflict arising from their u se. II. Existing and emerging threats 3. ICTs provide immense opportunities for social and economic development and continue to grow in importance for the international community. There are, however, disturbing trends in the global ICT environment, including a dramatic increase in incidents involving the malicious use of ICTs by State and non -State actors. These trends create risks for all States, and the misuse of ICTs may harm international peace and security. 4. A number of States are developing ICT capabilities for military purposes. The use of ICTs in future conflicts between States is becoming more likely. 5. The most harmful attacks using ICTs include those targeted against the critical infrastructure and associated information systems of a Stat e. The risk of harmful ICT attacks against critical infrastructure is both real and serious. 6. The use of ICTs for terrorist purposes, beyond recruitment, financing, training and incitement, including for terrorist attacks against ICTs or ICT -dependent infrastructure, is an increasing possibility that, if left unaddressed, may threaten international peace and security. 7. The diversity of malicious non-State actors, including criminal groups and terrorists, their differing motives, the speed at which mal icious ICT actions can occur and the difficulty of attributing the source of an ICT incident all increase risk. States are rightfully concerned about the danger of destabilizing misperceptions, the potential for conflict and the possibility of harm to their citizens, property and economy. 6/17 15-12404