Statement by the Republic of Slovenia at the briefing on the threats to international peace and security, Threats posed by ransomware attacks against hospitals and other healthcare facilities and services

Thank you Mr. President.

I would like to thank Director-General Dr Ghebreyesus and Mr. Conrado for their valuable contributions to today’s briefing.

Mr. President,

Slovenia, as a member of the Counter Ransomware Initiative, it is in this capacity that we would like first to draw the attention to the latest annual progress report from the UN Open-ended Working Group on security of and the use of information and communications technologies.

In the report, the UN Member States expressed concern over the increasing scale and severity of ransomware attacks that disrupt essential services, including the healthcare sector which is particularly dangerous and worrisome.

Member States also highlighted that such attacks may have an impact on international peace and security and require a comprehensive response.    

Our position on cyber-related discussions in this chamber continue to be guided by the Council’s primary responsibility to maintain international peace and security.

Due to the very unique character of cyber space, the issue is international and only seldom can confined by national borders. It is thus a problem that can only be solved with a high degree of international cooperation.

To fulfil this responsibility, the Council must actively engage in addressing the threats posed by ransomware attacks, including on hospitals and other healthcare facilities and services. 

Mr. President,

Following the COVID-19 pandemic and the rapid digital transformation of healthcare organizations globally, ransomware attacks have increasingly targeted these entities.

State and non-state actors are incentivized to exploit critical healthcare IT systems or compromise the confidentiality of personal data and data concerning health. In many instances, non-state actors are sheltered or even facilitated by governments. Ransomware attacks on health facilities and institutions create a direct threat to public health, safety and security. Because of such attacks, diagnostic imaging, pathology, emergency departments, ambulance services and cancer care have all been consistently disrupted. This is not a victimless crime. Human lives are endangered.

The impacts of these attacks have of course been also financial, with a ransomware attack on one Member State’s healthcare system estimated to have cost around a 100 million dollars. This money can be used to fund other crimes and potentially even terrorism.

Mr. President,

Given the rapid development of AI, which has further accelerated the conduct of ransomware attacks, allowing both State and non-state actors to carry out such attacks without requiring high technological skills, a decisive response by the international community is needed to prevent and mitigate their impact. 

Capacity building, particularly on a technical level is fundamental to increase cyber resilience. In this vain, Slovenia co-founded the regional cyber capacity train-the-trainer center in the Western Balkans, which has been successfully executing Western Balkans regional trainings for the last year and a half.

As the majority of the crimes of ransomware attacks are cross-border in nature, the Council should play a decisive role in de-escalating tensions and promoting accountability, especially when such attacks endanger the security and even lives.

We also believe that the Council could consider designating cyber criminals for listings under the sanctions regimes.

Mr. President,

Allow me to conclude by assuring you of our unwavering commitment to collaborate with Council members and the broader UN membership in continuing discussions on ransomware threats that are of shared concern to international peace and security.

We also remain steadfast in our commitment to continue to implement measures aimed at mitigating these risks, including by implementing the existing norms of responsible state behaviour in cyberspace.

I thank you.

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