Thirty-four technology and security companies signed the Cybersecurity Tech Accord, a public commitment to collaborate on cybersecurity efforts that protect consumers across the globe, April 17.
The signatories, which include Facebook, Microsoft and HP, committed to "defend against misuse of their technology [and] promise to protect all customers regardless of nationality, geography or attack motivation," according an April 17 statement released by the Cybersecurity Tech Accord. It emphasized the agreement extends to defending customers against attacks from cybercriminals and nation-states.
To achieve these goals, the signatories vowed to uphold four key principles: "stronger defense," "no offense," "capacity building" and "collective action."
The 34 companies plan to hold their first meeting during the RSA Conference in San Francisco, which runs from April 16 to April 20. Collaborative actions might include developing guidelines, sharing information or partnering to combat cyberthreats.
"The devastating attacks from the past year demonstrate that cybersecurity is not just about what any single company can do but also about what we can all do together," Microsoft President Brad Smith said in the statement. "This tech sector accord will help us take a principled path towards more effective steps to work together and defend customers around the world."
To access the Cybersecurity Tech Accord, click here.