Web-based attacks in the EU and around the world increased by 36% during 2011. Unsurprisingly, security against online accidents and crime has become central to consumer confidence and the online economy.
The European Union is promoting cyber security on a number of fronts. The EU’s Digital Agenda sees internet trust and security as vital to a vibrant digital society, and is carrying out 14 actions to improve cyber security readiness. These range from setting up a new cyber crime platform to awareness campaigns for the online safety of children.
Guenther Oettinger, member of the European Commission for the Digital Economy & Society is responsible for “Developing measures to make online communications and data more secure”.
The European Strategy on Cyber security sets out ways to strengthen network and information security across the EU. It protects the public and private sectors from intrusion and fraud, by strengthening cross-border cooperation and information exchange.
The European Commission’s priorities for a coherent Network and Information Security (NIS) across the EU include:
- Ensuring online privacy, which also covers targeting for advertising purposes.
- Supporting research into cyber security, ranging from cryptology to biometrics research.
- Developing network and information security at the international level. International standards are a major concern.
European Commission activities on trust and security cover the areas of Cybersecurity and Online Privacy.
Find out more on additional EU activities: