A/70/174 (d) The Group notes the established international legal principles, including, where applicable, the principles of humanity, necessity, proportionality and distinction; (e) States must not use proxies to commit internationally wrongful acts using ICTs, and should seek to ensure that their territory is not used by non -State actors to commit such acts; (f) States must meet their international obligations regarding internationally wrongful acts attributable to them under international law. However, the indication that an ICT activity was launched or otherwise originates from the territory or the ICT infrastructure of a State may be insufficient in itself to attribute the activity to that State. The Group noted that the accusations of organizing and implementing wrongful acts brought against States should be substantiated. 29. The Group noted that common understandings on how international law applies to State use of ICTs are important for promoting an open, secure, stable, accessible and peaceful ICT environment. VII. Conclusions and recommendations for future work 30. There has been significant progress in recognizing the risks to international peace and security from the malicious use of ICTs. Recognizing that ICTs can be a driving force in accelerating progress towards development, and consistent with the need to preserve global connectivity and the free and secure flow of information, the Group considered it useful to identify possible measures for future work, which include, but are not limited to, the following: (a) Further development by States collectively and individually of concepts for international peace and security in the use of ICTs at the legal, technical and policy levels; (b) Increased cooperation at regional and multilateral levels to foster common understandings on the potential risks to international peace and security posed by the malicious use of ICTs and on the security of ICT-enabled critical infrastructure. 31. While States have a primary responsibility for maintaining a secure and peaceful ICT environment, effective international cooperation would benefit from identifying mechanisms for the participation, as appropriate, of the private sector, academia and civil society organizations. 32. Areas where further research and study could be useful include concepts relevant to State use of ICTs. The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research, which serves all Member States, is one such entity that could be requested to undertake relevant studies, as could other relevant think tanks and research organizations. 33. The United Nations should play a leading role in promoting dialogue on the security of ICTs in their use by States and developing common understandings on the application of international law and norms, rules and principles for responsible State behaviour. Further work could consider initiatives for international dialogue and exchange on ICT security issues. These efforts should not duplicate ongoing 15-12404 13/17