His Excellency Mr. Yun Byung-se, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, Mr. Chairman,  Honored Delegates,

Cyber crime, cyber-terrorism and cyber-warfare are some of the greatest global challenges we face today. The cyber threat does not recognize state borders or geographic lines. The only way to meet this challenge, and create effective cyber defense, is through intensive international cooperation. 

I welcome the opportunity of this conference, the third since London 2011, to present some of our hard won Israeli expertise, to you, our partners in the international arenas of government, business and civil society. Together, we can strengthen our collective capabilities and achieve an open and secure cyberspace.

Israel is a global power in the realm of cyber defense. Our expertise is the hard won result of the geopolitical reality. Terror organizations, hacktivists and criminals are repeatedly attempting to damage our economy, institutions and infrastructure. However, we have succeeded in turning this weakness into a source of strength. We have met this real-time threat with groundbreaking home-grown technologies and thus far our defenses have proven to be effective. 

Indeed, due to the constants threats, Israel uniquely serves the global community as a live lab for new technologies. Israel is happy to share its knowledge and expertise with other countries looking to improve their cyber-security technology. We have turned the threat of cyber attacks into an opportunity for knowledge and growth.

The Israeli model of cyber defense strategy relies on accumulated experience combined with a unique vision. The Government of Israel was among the first to identify the strategic threat emanating from cyber-attacks against critical infrastructure. Tehila, our “e-gov” institution was created in 1997 to meet the cyber threat, followed by the establishment of the National Information Security Authority in 2002, which is responsible for preventing cyber-attacks against critical infrastructure. In addition, Prime Minister Netanyahu directed the establishment of the Israel National Cyber Bureau (INCB) which has been in operation since January 2012, and takes the lead with regard to creating a national cyber defense policy, partnerships with the private sector, and linking domestic and international cyber defense players.

Examples of INCB projects include the establishment of a national cyber situation room, which is tasked with forming the cyber defense matrix, as well as sharing information between the defense community, the public sector and the private sector. A special program was also established to prioritize the cyber defense industry, in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy, which will invest approximately 22 million dollars in R&D between 2013 and 2015.

Perhaps, our greatest asset though is our human capital. Due to the security threat, we have a record number of young people who enter the fields of technology and cyber defense, every year, at the young age of 18, within the framework of their military service. They are young, dynamic and creative. In the field of cyber defense, the threat matrix is changing constantly and one must be incredibly flexible and creative. These young people, like speed chess players, have proved time and time again their ability to meet complex challenges, in real time. Chess players and other strategic thinkers are a critical part of any technological field, however, the Israeli expertise in the "speed -chess" mentality is a unique advantage in the field of cyber. Upon graduating from the military, many of these young minds join our flourishing hi-tech sector, enriching the technology field and helping to establish start-ups which attract the interest of multinationals such as GE, IBM, DEUTSCHE TELEKOM and Citibank, as well as investors from China, Russia and many other countries. 

In addition, I am proud to announce that several months ago, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu designated the southern metropolitan area of Beer Sheva, as an international cyber center. All of our governmental and military institutions which address the cyber threat will be transferred to city of Beer Sheva, where they will be linked to the thriving academic facilities of Ben-Gurion University and a newly constructed industrial park serving a flourishing hi-tech industry. We firmly believe this philosophy of combining academic, government and business know-how is key to establishing effective cyber defense. I invite you to come to Beer Sheva, to experience, to invest, and to take part in the creation of one of the world's most advanced cyber defense hubs.

Distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, we firmly believe international cooperation is a critical factor in the realm of cyber defense. Israel was a member of the UN Government Group of Experts during the 1990’s, and supportive of all the major international initiatives in cyber defense. Israel also acceded to the Budapest Cybercrime Convention this year. We will continue to support other cooperation mechanisms that contribute to harmonizing cyber defense tools.

In conclusion, we believe cyber is not just a threat, but rather an opportunity for creative thought and economic growth. As our reliance on the internet and the virtual realm increases, the need for cyber defense will only grow. We foresee that cyber defense will become an increasingly lucrative industry with enormous potential for global business partnerships and development.

Israel looks forward to sharing its experience with other countries bilaterally. Together, we can work to repel attacks more quickly and efficiently, to devise effective national strategies, and most importantly, to integrate government, business, academic and civil society to meet the global cyber challenge of the 21st century. Thank you!