Foreword by the Prime Minister Cyberspace is developing rapidly. The global nature of the internet offers enormous opportunities, and cyberspace continues to increase in its importance to national economies, security, growth and development. At the same time, our dependence on digital solutions increases our vulnerability. Cyberspace offers potential for new, serious transnational threats from both state and non-state actors. Norwegian society is dependent on secure, stable and robust digital networks, and a serious cyberattack could harm critical social infrastructure. Broad national and international cooperation is crucial for Norway to achieve the best possible protection. There is a need for greater national coordination of digital security work, and for the promotion of Norwegian interests in ongoing international development of cyber-related practice and regulation. Various aspects of cyberspace will demand our attention going forward. One example is the dependence of a sustainable internet on the right balance between openness, security, robustness and freedom. Norway advocates a cyberspace that promotes innovation and international trade, fosters international stability and security and safeguards democratic values and universal human rights. There is international agreement that, in principle, customary international law also applies in cyberspace. Nonetheless, international dialogue is needed on the question of how international law applies. At present, no UN conventions or global agreements deal specifically with state activity in cyberspace. Important decisions concerning the development and management of the internet are largely being made by commercial and other parties without the direct involvement of governments or citizens. Globally, opinions differ as to the right direction to take on these issues. The Norwegian Government considers it important for Norway to have a comprehensive, coordinated policy for influencing developments in international cyberspace wherever possible. The Government therefore emphasises close collaboration between official bodies that represent Norway in arenas for the development of international cyberspace framework conditions and rules. In the white paper St. meld. 37 (2014-2015), the Government discussed global security challenges in the area of foreign policy. In response to the white paper, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs established a national cyber-coordination group in 2016, which is tasked with synchronising Norway’s cyber policy positions in international forums. Our international cyber policy is designed to serve Norway and Norwegian interests, secure robust, predictable framework conditions, and help prevent and protect against challenges and threats in cyberspace. Stronger national coordination will improve the effectiveness of our policy and help boost our international reputation in this field. This international cyber strategy is an important first step towards better national coordination in this area. Oslo, 31 August 2017