UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- Cyber threats can cross borders and wreak havoc, not just in information technology circles, but in communities, President Toomas Hendrik Ilves of Estonia warned at the UN General Assembly here Friday, calling for enhanced global cooperation to tackle the problem.

    "Concurrently with the rapid development of computer technology we are witnessing alarming signs of more sinister developments: cyber attacks are growing more complex and their use is increasing in frequency," Ilves said while speaking to the general debate of the General Assembly, which entered its third day here Friday.

    The president called on governments and the private sector to join forces to boost their ability to respond to cyber threats.

    Also crucial in the fight against cyber attacks are enhanced domestic frameworks to include the criminalization of cyber crimes, he said. "Our long-term aim should be the creation of a universal cyber culture -- a universally accessible, secure and safe environment for all."

    In his wide-ranging speech to heads of State and government, the Estonian leader also touched on such issues as climate change, the global financial crisis and the situation in Afghanistan.