The European Union has recently adopted new cybersecurity laws aimed at enhancing the detection of threats, preparing for and responding to incidents, and certifying services. The EU’s cybersecurity law package consists of the “Cyber Solidarity Act” and targeted amendments to the Cyber Security Act (CSA). The main objective is to bolster the EU’s capacity to identify, prepare for, and respond to cyber threats while promoting consistency in managed security services.
According to a statement from the Council of the European Union, the legislation will come into effect 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the EU. The laws have the potential to improve cross-border threat detection and response by fostering collaboration, enhancing threat information sharing, and strengthening overall cybersecurity resilience in the EU. Madelein van der Hout, a Senior Analyst at Forrester, believes that the actual success of these laws will depend on effective implementation and sustained commitment from member states.
One of the key aspects of the new legislation is the enhancement of threat detection and preparedness. The Cyber Solidarity Act introduces a new cybersecurity alert system that aims to establish a network of national and cross-border Cyber Hubs throughout the EU. These hubs will monitor cyber threats using advanced technologies such as AI and data analytics and respond accordingly. The coordinated infrastructure is designed to facilitate the exchange of warnings and actionable insights across borders and ensure a uniform response to cyber incidents.
In addition to improving threat detection and response, the EU’s cybersecurity laws also focus on incident reporting and information sharing. The legislation mandates that critical infrastructure operators and digital service providers report significant cybersecurity incidents to national authorities. This information will then be shared with other EU member states to enhance collective incident response capabilities and bolster cybersecurity across the region.
Furthermore, the laws include provisions for certifying cybersecurity products and services to ensure a baseline level of security across the EU. The certification framework will help consumers and businesses make informed decisions about the cybersecurity measures of the products and services they use. By encouraging the adoption of secure technologies and best practices, the EU aims to raise the overall level of cybersecurity across the region.
Overall, the new cybersecurity laws introduced by the EU represent a significant step towards enhancing cybersecurity resilience and cooperation across the region. By focusing on improving threat detection, incident response, information sharing, and certification, the laws aim to strengthen the EU’s cybersecurity capabilities and protect against evolving cyber threats. Effective implementation and ongoing commitment from member states will be crucial in ensuring the success of these measures and safeguarding the EU’s digital landscape.