IGF 2025 Lightning Talk #137 Ethical Hacking for a Safer Internet

    GIZ - Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Internationale Zusammenarbeit
    Carolin Kothe, Liquid Legal Institute e.V., Civil Society, Germany Western European and Others Group (WEOG) Tim Philipp Schäfers, Mint Secure GmbH, Private Sector, Germany, Western European and Others Group (WEOG) Lars Radscheidt, GIZ - Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Internationale Zusammenarbeit, Private Sector, Germany, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
    Speakers
    Carolin Kothe, Liquid Legal Institute e.V., Civil Society, Germany Western European and Others Group (WEOG) Tim Philipp Schäfers, Mint Secure GmbH, Private Sector, Germany, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
    Onsite Moderator
    Tim Philipp Schäfers, Mint Secure GmbH, Private Sector, Germany, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
    Rapporteur
    Lars Radscheidt, GIZ - Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Internationale Zusammenarbeit, Private Sector, Germany, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
    SDGs
    4. Quality Education
    9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
    16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
    16.a
    17. Partnerships for the Goals


    Targets: SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: Ethical hackers contribute to securing digital infrastructure, making industries and innovations more resilient to cyber threats. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: Promoting ethical hacking helps combat cybercrime, supports legal frameworks for cybersecurity, and ensures a safer digital space. SDG 4: Quality Education: Raising awareness and providing ethical hacking education fosters cybersecurity skills and responsible digital citizenship. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: Collaboration between ethical hackers, governments, and private sectors strengthens cybersecurity frameworks and global internet governance.
    Format
    The session will start with a brief presentation that outlines the need for ethical hacking for a safer internet. Examples of such hacks and their benefit for the wider public will be shared by a technical expert. In a second step, the legal status quo of ethical hacking in various states will be outlined by a legal expert. She will also provide insights on comparative law on this topic. After these two inputs, precise demands on policy makers will be presented. This presentation is followed by a discussion with the in-person audience of the lightning talk. For the session, a screen will be needed for a powerpoint presentation.
    Duration (minutes)
    30
    Description
    Ethical Hacking for a Safer Internet: Strengthening Cybersecurity Through Ethical Practices In an era of growing cyber threats, ethical hackers play a crucial role in securing the digital landscape. This Lightning Talk at the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) will highlight the challenges and contributions of ethical hackers in strengthening cybersecurity. Ethical hackers, often referred to as "white hat" hackers, use their skills to identify and fix vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them. However, their work is often misunderstood, and they frequently face legal and ethical uncertainties. This session will explore the crucial role of ethical hacking in protecting online infrastructure, businesses, and individual users. It will also address the need for clearer legal frameworks, greater public awareness, and stronger collaboration between governments, the private sector, and ethical hacking communities. Additionally, the session will include a legal comparison within the European Union, examining how different jurisdictions regulate ethical hacking and the challenges posed by varying national laws. By analyzing these legal perspectives, we aim to shed light on the need for harmonized regulations that support ethical hackers while ensuring cybersecurity. By recognizing and supporting ethical hackers, we can foster a safer and more resilient internet for all. Join us for an engaging discussion on how ethical hacking can drive positive change in global cybersecurity efforts.

    n.a. as lightning talks will be held without streaming.