IGF 2025 Open Forum #51 Strengthening Cyber Resilience in Global Posts & Logistics

    Roundtable
    Duration (minutes): 90
    Format description: The Session is anticipated to be highly interactive. It will present a brand new initiative - a Global Postal Sector Information and Sharing Analysis Centre (POST-ISAC) and will also seek feedback from the participants.
    Description
    The global postal network plays a vital role in facilitating trade, communication, and economic development. However, the increasing reliance on digital technologies and interconnectedness has exposed the postal sector to cyber threats that can disrupt operations, compromise sensitive data, and undermine trust. This workshop will explore the potential role of a global Postal Sector Information Sharing and Analysis Centre (POST-ISAC) in strengthening the cybersecurity posture and cyber resilience of the postal, supply chain, and logistics sector worldwide. Key Objectives: - Raise awareness of the cyber threats facing the postal sector and their potential impact on developing countries. - Discuss the benefits of establishing a POST-ISAC to facilitate information sharing, threat intelligence, and collaborative response. - Highlight the role of the UPU in promoting cybersecurity best practices and supporting the development of a POST-ISAC. - Explore the potential of the .POST Top Level Domain and the UPU .POST Cybersecurity Framework in enhancing trust and security in the digital postal ecosystem. - Identify the specific needs and challenges of developing countries, particularly SIDS, LDCs, LLDCs, and ACP countries, in strengthening their postal cybersecurity capabilities. Session Outline: Introduction: Setting the scene and highlighting the importance of postal cybersecurity in the digital age. Cyber Threats to the Postal Sector: Overview of current and emerging cyber threats, including ransomware, phishing, data breaches, and supply chain attacks. The Case for a POST-ISAC: Benefits of information sharing, early warning, and coordinated response in mitigating cyber risks. The Role of the UPU: Leveraging the UPU's global reach and expertise to promote cybersecurity best practices and support the development of a POST-ISAC. .POST and the UPU .POST Cybersecurity Framework: Enhancing trust and security in the digital postal ecosystem. Focus on Developing Countries: Addressing the specific needs and challenges of SIDS, LDCs, LLDCs, and ACP countries in strengthening their postal cybersecurity capabilities. Interactive Discussion: Q&A session and open discussion on the potential role of a POST-ISAC and the way forward.

    Session is led by topic discussants, with full participation and engagement from all meeting participants both online and onsite throughout the meeting. Interactive tools such as Polling and Mentimeter will be employed to facilitate and encourage interaction from online and onsite participants.
    Organizers
    🔒Universal Postal Union
    Tracy Hackshaw, Universal Postal Union, Intergovernmental Organisation, GRULAC Mayssam Sabra, Universal Postal Union, Intergovernmental Organisation, MENA Juan Moroni, Digital Transformation and Policy Expert, Universal Postal Union, Intergovernmental Organisation, GRULAC
    Speakers
    Speaker Names to be determined as these are based on formal invitations following approval of the OF, but will be sourced from: -Designated Postal Operators in the Africa, Caribbean & Pacific regions - Private sector Logistics/Wider Postal Sector Players (Global) - Cybersecurity-focused partners e.g. the GCA, the GFCE, FIRST and others
    Onsite Moderator
    Tracy Hackshaw, Chef d'Entreprise, .POST Business Management Unit, Universal Postal Union, GRULAC
    Online Moderator
    Juan Moroni, Digital Transformation and Policy Expert, Universal Postal Union, Intergovernmental Organisation, United Nations (Moderator)
    Rapporteur
    Mayssam Sabra, Universal Postal Union, Intergovernmental Organisation, MENA
    SDGs
    8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
    9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
    16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
    17. Partnerships for the Goals


    Targets: SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: A secure and resilient postal and logistics sector is vital for facilitating trade, supporting businesses, and driving economic growth. Cyberattacks can disrupt supply chains, cause financial losses, and undermine economic stability.   By enhancing cybersecurity, the workshop helps protect economic activity and promote sustainable economic growth. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: This goal focuses on building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation.   The workshop directly addresses the need to strengthen the cyber resilience of critical infrastructure, specifically the postal and logistics sector, which is essential for economic activity and innovation.   By promoting best practices and capacity building, the workshop contributes to the development of more secure and reliable digital infrastructure. SDG 16: Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions Capacity Building for Institutions: The workshop equips postal and logistics organizations, which are often integral parts of national infrastructure, with the knowledge and skills to strengthen their cybersecurity. Promoting Best Practices: By sharing best practices and frameworks, the workshop helps establish norms and standards for responsible cybersecurity conduct. Fostering Collaboration: The workshop encourages collaboration among stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector entities, and civil society organizations, to address cyber threats collectively. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: Achieving cybersecurity requires collaboration among governments, businesses, and civil society.   The workshop fosters partnerships by bringing together diverse stakeholders to share knowledge, exchange best practices, and develop collaborative solutions. International cooperation and information sharing, which are emphasized in the workshop, are essential for addressing transnational cyber threats.   Capacity Building: The workshop focuses on building the capacity of postal and logistics organizations to address cybersecurity threats. This aligns with the broader goal of empowering individuals and institutions to achieve sustainable development. Digital Inclusion: By strengthening the security of digital infrastructure, the workshop contributes to creating a more inclusive and secure digital environment for all. Resilience: The workshop promotes the development of resilient systems that can withstand and recover from cyberattacks. This is essential for ensuring the continuity of essential services and promoting sustainable development. In essence, a secure and resilient postal and logistics sector is essential for maintaining stability, upholding the rule of law, and promoting trust in institutions. Therefore, the workshop's focus on cybersecurity capacity building directly supports the goals of SDG 16. In the final analysis, by promoting cybersecurity in the postal and logistics sector, the workshop contributes to building a more secure, resilient, and sustainable digital economy, which is essential for achieving the SDGs.