ISTANBUL, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- As the world becomes increasingly dependent on the internet, cyber security has become a major issue not just for everyday users but also for governments and businesses, officials warned at the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Turkey on Tuesday.
"Cyber attacks have been rising intensely during the last years. The efforts of the states in fighting against cyber criminality have also been increasing at the same time," said Lutfi Elvan, Turkey's Minister of Transport, Maritime and Communication during the opening of the forum.
Cyber attacks threaten the world economy, Elvan said, adding that annual costs of computer hacking and other attacks are around 1 trillion dollars per year. "The number of viruses have increased 216 percent in 2013 when compares with the previous year's figure, " he said.
Turkey's minister urged world countries to cooperate closely and develop warning systems.
One UN official during the first day of the forum underlined the importance of affordable internet access, privacy, and the free flow of information. Another official highlighted the importance of education to prevent cyber threats.
"Each user, each individual should learn the necessary tools to deal with the cyber attacks. This is educational matter. There should be classes in the schools to educate people," said Thomas Gass, Assistant Secretary-General for Policy Coordination and Inter-Agency Affairs in UN.
Among the conference's 3,000 attendees, government representatives, private business owners, and field experts were present.
The conference emphasized a multi-lateral approach to governing the internet in an effort to counter and prevent cyber attacks that target governments and businesses.
US Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Catherine Novelli told reporters that a "multi-stake holder model is the best to govern the internet."
She added, "We need to be sure that all different societies get the benefit from this new territory."
Throughout the four days of the forum, experts will identify the main problems facing internet users, while attempting to develop solutions.
According to 2013 Symentec report, 556 million people annually become the victims of cyber attacks, which is about 1.5 million per day.
The IGF is considered one of the biggest forums in the world addressing internet security issues and solutions, promoting rules and regulations to enhance peace and stability as well as ensure internet safety and human rights for the world's estimated 3 billion internet users.
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