A/71/172
The cyberwar is being fought on a number of fronts, including the following:
recruitment and mobilization websites; psychological warfare; information
exchange and dissemination via the Internet; electronic hacking of websites, data
and information systems; and cyberterrorism.
The threat of cyberterrorism is on the rise in all States. Lebanon has been the
victim of a number of cyberattacks aimed primarily at the banking sector (the Gauss
virus) and the communications sector. Most e-services are regularly subject to
attack.
National efforts to promote cybersecurity and international cooperation
include the following:
• In 1999, Law No. 140 on the confidentiality of telecommunications and Law
No. 75 on intellectual property were enacted. Both address software piracy to
some degree.
• In 2006, the criminal investigations division of the Directorate -General of the
Internal Security Forces created an office to combat cybercrime and protect
intellectual property.
• In 2007, a Communications Regulatory Authority was established, and it has
become an active member of the International Multilateral Partnership against
Cyber Threats (IMPACT).
• In 2009, the Army Command established an electronic forensics division
within the Intelligence Directorate.
• The Ministry of National Defence is working to establish a Lebanese computer
incident response team (LEBCIRT) in collaboration with national and global
bodies. It has been taking part in all the relevant initiatives and holding
conferences and training courses.
• In 2012, the Cabinet issued a decision to establish a national security
committee to host Government websites. The committee includes a
representative from the Ministry of National Defence.
• In 2013, the Cabinet formed a committee to study the threat posed by Israeli
enemy communications towers facing Lebanese territory. That committee was
chaired by the Ministry of National Defence and included the other relevant
ministries.
• In 2015, the Lebanese Army created a dedicated cybersecurity division.
• Parliament is currently considering a draft law on electronic transactions.
Measures that could be taken by the international community to strengthen
cybersecurity at the global level include the following:
• Resolutions adopted by the United Nations and the World Summit on the
Information Society aimed at disseminating a culture of information should be
complied with, and a cooperation framework should be established with the
relevant international bodies to ensure sharing of information and best
practices.
• National laws and regulations on combating information crimes should be
harmonized with global rules, with a view to preventing digital havens.
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