Cyber Confidence-Building Measures

CBM 10: OSCE platforms for exchange

Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe

OSCEWidely implemented2013

Measure

CBM 10 (2013): Participating States will voluntarily exchange views using OSCE platforms and mechanisms inter alia, the OSCE Communications Network, maintained by the OSCE Secretariat’s Conflict Prevention Centre, subject to the relevant OSCE decision, to facilitate communications regarding the CBMs.

Background: This CBM encourages participating states to voluntarily exchange views and information through existing OSCE platforms - most notably the OSCE Communications Network maintained by the Conflict Prevention Centre. The goal is to facilitate secure communication on matters related to cyber/ICT confidence-building. Such exchanges can take the form of messages, alerts, or updates, aiming to foster cooperation and increase national cyber readiness.

Practice: The OSCE Communications Network is a computer-based system linking the capitals of participating states, maintained by the OSCE Secretariat’s Conflict Prevention Centre. Its existence provides a strong foundation for implementing cyber CBMs within the OSCE, as it demonstrates that the organization already has functioning infrastructure in place for secure communication - an area where the OSCE has long-standing experience and credibility. In 2013, participating states agreed to explore the network’s potential use for cyber/ICT security-related CBMs, and after extensive consultations, its application for this purpose was approved in 2017. Today, the Communications Network facilitates the voluntary exchange of information - primarily threat reports - among an increasing number of connected states, reflecting wide implementation of this CBM. It also serves as part of the OSCE’s crisis communication mechanism in conjunction with CBM 3, CBM 8, and CBM 13.

Key Implementation Activities and Resources

  • Implementation is enabled by the existing secure Communications Network infrastructure and its integration into the OSCE's broader cyber crisis communication framework.

  • This CBM is part of a broader crisis communication framework consisting of the Consultation Mechanism (CBM 3), the PoC Directory (CBM 8), and the information-exchange templates (CBM 13).