Alexander Botting participated in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's (OECD) Expert Working Group on Digital Security. The group supported the development of two OECD reports that were released this week.
The first, “Enhancing the Digital Security of Products: A Policy Discussion,” was released on February 9, 2021. According to the report, our economies and societies are increasingly reliant upon smart products, such as Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Enhancing the digital security of products will be a major public policy challenge for years to come. Currently, misaligned market incentives, information asymmetries, and externalities prevent these products from reaching an optimal level of digital security. There is a need for policy makers to look at more proactive initiatives to address these economic issues. Increasing transparency; fostering cooperation, including at the international level; and ensuring the duty of care of supply-side actors are key avenues for policy action.
The second, “Encouraging Vulnerability Treatment: Overview for Policy Makers,” was released on February 11. According to the report, effectively addressing vulnerabilities is key to a successful digital transformation. Although economic and social challenges have prevented many stakeholders from adopting good practices for vulnerability treatment, there are numerous actions governments can take to change this, such as transforming the culture related to vulnerabilities, protecting ethical hackers, leading by example, addressing the gray market, and international cooperation.
The OECD is an intergovernmental economic organization that brings together 37 member countries and a range of partners that collaborate on key global issues at national, regional, and local levels. Through its standards, programs, and initiatives, the OECD helps drive and anchor reform in more than 100 countries around the world, building on their collective wisdom and shared values. The organization was founded in 1961 to stimulate economic progress and world trade.
Click here to access the reports.