The growing threat of malicious cyber incidents such as distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks are on the rise and are impacting businesses and citizens throughout the EU. Due to these increasing threats, the European Union is taking new steps to combat them. The first step is the recently announced plans for a new Joint Cyber Unit to strengthen security cooperation between EU Member States to prevent, deter and respond to the rising number of cyberattacks.
The Commission first presented their EU Cybersecurity strategy in December 2020 and have now released updates on the progress of those initiatives as well as a schedule for implementing the new Joint Cyber Unit.
What is the Joint Cyber Unit?
The Joint Cyber Unit will provide a common space – both physically and virtually – for cybersecurity experts to work together to respond to large-scale security incidents. The aim is to improve situational awareness, joint preparedness, and the ability to mount a coordinated response to cybersecurity threats.
The main roles of the Joint Cyber Unit will include:
- An inventory of available operational and technical resources
- Integrated EU cybersecurity situation reports
- EU Cybersecurity Incident and Crisis Response Plan
- Memoranda of understanding for cooperation
- Cybersecurity Rapid Reaction Teams
- Operational cooperation agreements with private sector companies
The current timeline will see the Joint Cyber Unit start to roll out preparedness activities and national incident and crisis response plans by June 30, 2022. The Commission expects to involve private sector partners, users, and providers of cybersecurity solutions, such as Corero, by June 2023. This will vastly increase information sharing in regard to cybersecurity threats and defense mechanisms all while increasing the Joint Cyber Unit’s ability to coordinate proper responses to cybersecurity incidents.
Importance of Collaboration and Cyber Diplomacy Toolbox
Unfortunately, most law enforcement agencies, cyber defense communities and cybersecurity solution providers operate individually. Increasing collaboration between EU Member States is a critical step towards better equipping cybersecurity experts with the right security solutions to combat threats and provide better incident response.
Another key aspect of the EU cybersecurity ecosystem is the Joint EU Diplomatic Response to Malicious Cyber Activities, or the Cyber Diplomacy Toolbox. This is an important step towards coordinating networks, defense mechanisms, and supporting programs. Fostering collaboration and providing more access to common and effective foreign security measures will help deter and respond to malicious cyber activities.
Progress and Requirements of EU Cybersecurity Strategy
In addition to new strategies, the recent report provided progress updates on the initiatives put into action as part of the EU Cybersecurity strategy that launched in December 2020. Here are the key takeaways and policies being put into action:
- Cybersecurity Competence Centre and Network: This policy strengthens the legal framework for ensuring resilience of essential services.
- EU 5G Toolbox: Most EU Member States now have frameworks in place to impose restrictions on 5G suppliers and mobile network operators to help improve the security of 5G communication networks.
- Digital Services Act: Provides a new oversight structure for large online platforms and addresses requirements for online platforms to remove terrorist content.
The Joint Cyber Unit is a major step for the European Union and a strong response to rising cyber threats. Corero will continue to provide updates as this initiative progresses and will look for any opportunities to collaborate and improve how we can best work together to defend ourselves and ultimately create a safer Internet.
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