[AfrICANN-discuss] Internet security demands a Europe-wide strategy, says Neelie Kroes

[Anne-Rachel Inné]

Internet security demands a Europe-wide strategy, says Neelie Kroes

http://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/view/24744/internet-security-demands-a-europewide-strategy-says-neelie-kroes/

23 March 2012
Internet security cannot be confined to national security agencies because
cyber threats come from around the world and readily cross borders,
according to European Commission vice-president Neelie Kroes.

That is why there is a need for a Europe-wide strategy to provide a
comprehensive response to address the specific requirements of security in
cyberspace, she said in Brussels.

Internet security is not a problem that is going to go away, but a safer
internet can be achieved with an approach that is built on the single
market, gives the right incentives to the private sector, invests in
supply, and has an international outlook, said Kroes.

The strategy will "enable a step-change in how we ensure internet security.
It will be embedded in our principles for internet governance," she said.

The Commission is due to present its plan for a "European strategy for
internet security" in the third quarter of this year, which will ask EU
member states to guarantee minimum capabilities to respond adequately to
threats and share critical information in a secure and confidential manner.

Member states will be required to establish competent authorities to
centralize information to enable the creation of a regional forum for
collaboration with the private sector, support a European cyber incident
contingency plan, and exchange best practices.

Kroes also wants to expand data breach notification obligations from the
telecoms sector to other sectors that rely on critical information
infrastructure, such as energy, water, finance and transport.

She pointed out that the recent World Economic
Forum<http://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/view/23201/cyber-risk-now-in-the-top-five-global-risks>estimated
that there is a one in 10 chance of a major breakdown of critical
information infrastructure in the next decade.

"Prompt reporting means competent national authorities can react quickly to
incidents and minimize their impact," she said.

Kroes also called for investment in innovation for security technologies,
including through the EU budget. "We have called for proposals on how to
fight botnets. But research alone isn't enough. We need to fill the gaps in
the value chain, and seamlessly bring bright ideas to the market," she said.

*This story was first published by **Computer
Weekly*<http://www.computerweekly.com/news/2240147311/Internet-security-demands-a-Europe-wide-strategy-says-Neelie-Kroes>
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