Quad Summit could see pact to deter cyber threats from China: Sources

The upcoming Quad Summit in Sydney on May 24 could yield a landmark pact to counter potential "hybrid warfare" and threats from China, North Korea and other non-state actors in the Indo-Pacific region, people in the know told ET.

The US, Australia, India and Japan have begun working on how to coordinate the sharing of information on cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure facilities and this could transform into a formal pact, ET has learnt.

The data on cyber-attacks will be used to enable Quad member nations to quickly prepare defence measures, the sources said.


ET has learnt that the Quad members are keen to share their best practices in cyber-security in the Indo-Pacific region, enabling member nations to deter threats.

In February, the Quad members had launched a public campaign, 'Quad Cyber Challenge', to improve cyber security across the Quad nations. Internet users across the Indo-Pacific and beyond were invited to join the Challenge and pledge to practice safe and responsible cyber habits.

The Challenge reflects the Quad's continuing efforts to increase 'individuals' and 'communities' cyber security awareness and action, as well as to foster a more secure and resilient cyber ecosystem to benefit economies and users, according to an official statement issued by India.

The Quad partners are working to ensure everyone has access to the resources needed to make informed decisions while online and using smart devices, the statement said.

Earlier in January, Quad senior cyber group principals met here to discuss the collective approach to enhance cyber-security cooperation and resilience.