October 2012: European Cyber Security Month

The European Network and Information Agency (ENISA) that recently published a new study on cyber incident reporting in the EU, is organizing the first European Cyber Security Month (ECSM) in October to raise public awareness on cyber security. ECSM will feature a wide range of activities in six European countries (Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, and UK) aiming to promote safer use of the Internet for all users. 

EU legislation can play an important role here as there is now a Directive, which has been transposed in national laws, obliging providers to report incidents to a national authority. Moreover, the European Commission is developing a European Cyber Security Strategy which aims to increase transparency about incidents, and ultimately to prevent them or limit their impact.

More information about European Cyber Security Month

European consultation on cyber incidents to prepare a legislation proposal on e-security

The European Commission is seeking the views of governments, businesses, citizens about their experiences and EU possible responses to cyber incidents to help it prepare a legislative proposal on network and information security, which will be an important element of the upcoming EU strategy on Cyber security. Feedback received will help the Commission draw up an approach to possible future risk management and security breach reporting requirements that would affect businesses in particular. The consultation runs until 12 October 2012.

Cyber incidents are becoming more frequent. In 2011, web-based attacks increased by 36% over one year and there was a five-fold increase in companies reporting security incidents with a financial impact between 2007 and 2010 (5%-20%). And the risk is growing. In the next decade there is a 10% risk of a major Critical Information Infrastructure incident causing more than $250 billion in economic damage, according to the World Economic Forum.

This is also a global challenge since many cyber incidents and attacks originate outside the EU. The overarching aim of the Strategy is to ensure a secure and trustworthy digital environment where EU fundamental rights and core values, are promoted and protected.


More information about this European consultation.

Eurobarometer survey on Cybercrime: EU citizens concerned by security of personal information and online payments

A new Eurobarometer survey shows that Internet users are very concerned about cyber security: 89% avoid disclosing personal information online, and 74% agree that the risk of becoming a victim of cybercrime has increased in the past year. 12% of internet users across the EU have already experienced online fraud, and 8% have fallen victim to identity theft. Nonetheless, 53% have not changed any of their online passwords during the past year.

"What is more surprising is that only half of Europeans take effective measures to protect themselves from cybercrime", said Cecilia Malmström, EU Commissioner for Home Affairs.

Other key findings of the survey are:

• 53% of internet users say they buy goods or services online, 52% use social networking sites, 48% bank online, while 20% sell goods or services
• 29% are not confident about their ability to use the internet for things like online banking or online purchases
• 59% do not feel well informed about the risks of cybercrime
• 40% are concerned about someone taking or misusing their personal data and 38% show concern about the security of online payments

High-level policy discussion: In a Cloud world – How do IT skills matter for Europe’s competitiveness?

EMF will participate the 27 February in the High-level policy discussion: In a Cloud world – How do IT skills matter for Europe’s competitiveness? organized by the Danish Technological Institute, Fraunhofer and DG Enterprise & Industry.

The event aims to invigorate the eSkills debate to ensure that Europe remains competitive in the cloud future and it is organised in three sessions:

-Cloud Visions: Why we need to be talking about skills?
-Developing tomorrows eSkills, training tomorrows IT professionals
-Policy approaches for the future: a call for action

The event will also serve to launch the report: "Cloud computing - Cyber security and green IT - e-Skills for ICT practitioners and entrepreneurs", which was commissioned by the DG Enterprise & Industry. 

Download the agenda
More information on the report will be soon added to this Blog.