Quad Cyber Challenge Launched to Better Protect Internet Users From Cyber Threats

Australia, India, Japan and the United States, collectively known as the Quad, have urged internet users across the Indo-Pacific and beyond to join the newly launched Quad Cyber Challenge and commit to practicing safe and responsible cyber habits.

The initiative aims to increase cybersecurity awareness of internet users and providers and create a more secure and resilient cyber ecosystem. Events will be held during the week of April 10 to promote cyber safety among corporations, education institutions, small businesses and individuals using the internet and connected devices, the White House said.

As part of the initiative, the Quad will aim to equip individuals and organizations with basic cybersecurity information, training and other resources to better protect themselves from cyber threats.

Malicious cyber actors are targeting sensitive, personal data of internet users. According to a Quad joint statement, preventive measures that people can take to improve their cybersecurity include installing security updates, enabling multifactor authentication, using stronger and regularly changing passphrases, and being informed about common online scams such as phishing.

The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that the Quad Cyber Challenge launch is part of the implementation of Japan’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month, which began on Feb. 1.

In a video message, Matsuno Hirokazu, chief cabinet secretary of Japan, said the government will compile basic measures, which will be called Nine Principles of Cybersecurity Measures, and hold cybersecurity seminars for business leaders, among other initiatives, in support of the cyber challenge campaign and other cyber-related activities of its international partners.