Digital security

Digital security is essential for trust in the digital age

The OECD has been facilitating international co-operation and developing policy analysis and recommendations in digital security since the early 1990s. Our work in this area aims to develop and promote policies that strengthen trust without inhibiting the potential of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to support innovation, competitiveness and growth.


Why “digital security” instead of “cybersecurity”?

Digital security refers to the economic and social aspects of cybersecurity, as opposed to purely technical aspects and those related to criminal law enforcement or national and international security. The term “digital” is consistent with expressions such as digital economy, digital transformation and digital technologies. It forms a basis for constructive international dialogue between stakeholders seeking to foster trust and maximise opportunities from ICTs.

OECD digital security policy framework

Cybersecurity for prosperity

The OECD Policy Framework on Digital Security charts the economic and social dimension of cybersecurity, highlights the OECD approach to digital security policy and equips policymakers to use OECD digital security Recommendations in developing better policies. The Framework also identifies linkages with other policy areas addressed through existing OECD standards and tools.

OECD Recommendations

OECD Recommendations on digital security support stakeholders in developing digital security policies for economic and social prosperity, in line with the OECD’s mandate to help governments develop better policies for better lives. These legal instruments provide international standards in the area of digital security policy. 

From raising awareness to changing policies: The OECD's digital security recommendations explained

Podcast

As technology continues to advance, we're more connected than ever. But with more benefits also come more risks. How can we ensure that we are protected from digital threats? In December 2022, the OECD released its digital security recommendations to help keep individuals, businesses and governments secure online. Audrey Plonk, head of the Digital Economy Policy division of the OECD Science, Technology and Innovation Directorate, explains the recommendations and what they hope to achieve.

Recent publications

Global Forum on Digital Security for Prosperity

International thematic events gathering policy makers and experts from all stakeholder groups

Outputs from these events influence international public policy discussions and can lead to the development of analytical work, principles and international policy recommendations, both at the OECD and in other international fora. GFDSP events have focused on:

  • Governance of digital security in organisations and security of digital technologies (13-14 December 2018)
  • Encouraging digital security innovation (14-15 November 2019)
  • Building cyber resilience together in a post-COVID-19 world (7-9 June 2021)
  • Artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (13-14 March 2023)
     

About us

Working Party on Security in the Digital Economy

OECD work on digital security is carried out by Working Party on Security in the Digital Economy (SDE), which reports to the OECD Committee on Digital Economy Policy (CDEP). The SDE develops and promotes evidence-based policies strengthening security in the digital economy without inhibiting the benefits from digital transformation, with a particular focus on the management of digital security risks to economic and social activities, including critical ones, and on the improvement of security in digital products and services. The SDE works in co-operation with CDEP’s Working Party on Data Governance and Privacy (DGP) and other OECD bodies.

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