The United Kingdom and the Republic of Korea (ROK) have strengthened their commitment to joint cybersecurity initiatives following the 4th Republic of Korea-UK Cyber Dialogue, held on November 6, 2024, in London. This high-level meeting, co-chaired by Andrew Whittaker, Cyber Director at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and Rhee Dong-yeol, South Korea’s Ambassador for International Cyber Affairs, focused on deepening cooperation to combat global cyber threats.
The dialogue brought together approximately 50 officials from cybersecurity agencies in both nations. UK representation included members from the FCDO, Cabinet Office, National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), Department for Business and Trade (DBT), Home Office, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), and Ministry of Defence (MOD). South Korea’s delegation featured officials from its Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the National Security Office, and its National Cyber Security Centre.
Building on the Strategic Cyber Partnership initiated during President Yoon’s state visit to the UK in November 2023, the discussions addressed key issues such as strategies for deterring cyber threats, enhancing private-sector collaboration, countering organized cybercrime and ransomware, and developing international norms to regulate commercial cyber intrusion.
Both nations reiterated their dedication to “deepening cooperation to respond to state-backed malicious cyber activities that impact each of our countries and undermine the rules-based international system.” They emphasized collaborating with global partners to hold cyber attackers accountable and deter irresponsible cyber actions.
A major focus of the dialogue was addressing North Korea’s cyber activities, including its use of cyberattacks to steal cryptocurrency and advance its weapons program. Participants also discussed cyber threats related to Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine and the growing cyber cooperation between North Korea and Russia. Evidence of malicious cyber activity linked to China was highlighted, with both sides underscoring the importance of maintaining constructive dialogue with China to improve cyberspace security.
In addition to the main discussions, joint workshops explored effective strategies to counter North Korea’s illicit cyber activities, such as cryptocurrency theft and implementing cyber-specific sanctions to disrupt malicious actors. Both countries shared best practices and lessons learned in their efforts to combat harmful cyber operations.
A noteworthy announcement from the dialogue confirmed that the upcoming Defence Cyber Marvel (DCM4), a major British Army Cyber Association exercise, will be hosted in Seoul for the first time in February. UK personnel will travel to South Korea to coordinate the event, further showcasing the deepening cyber cooperation between the two allies.
