High-level-webcast: discussing European cybersecurity challenges with stakeholders from EU and member states

Jochen Michels, Head of Public Affairs Europe

Arnaud Dechoux, Public Affairs Manager Europe

“Technology that works for people: Why the right level of cybersecurity is crucial for digitalization” - this question was discussed by high-profile speakers from the EU and member states at the first Kaspersky Webcast on the challenges and requirements for European cybersecurity policy. And it seemed that we hit the mark with the topic and the speakers: more than 100 participants took part in this interesting exchange of ideas.

One aspect quickly became clear: digitization opens up great opportunities and there is no alternative. But cyber-vulnerability has increased over recent years. The trend has been accelerating recently with the lockdown situation due to the pandemic, as remote working and greater use of the internet opens up new opportunities for cybercriminals.

This situation also implies a need for a long-term reflection effort: Luisa Franchina, President of the Italian Association for Critical Infrastructure, is calling on European stakeholders to engage in broader thinking about business continuity and crisis management. Trust, transparency and common security standards should serve as the basis of a more secure digital space.

MEP Axel Voss stressed that policy fragmentation across the EU is a disadvantage. The Union will have to clarify the legislation of the digital single market to be able to react faster in a more effective way, to tackle upcoming cybersecurity challenges, and achieve cyber-resilience. A transnational dialogue involving all cybersecurity stakeholders is key to shaping the future of cybersecurity. “Acting in a united way is the only way”.

MP Eric Bothorel, Member of the French National Assembly, highlighted a massive ‘digital shift’ that has increased exposure to cyberattacks: over eight million French people turning to remote working. Regarding this shift, executed in an emergency: “We have to deal with that, and now manage the risk”.

Cyber-immunity might be the solution. According to Eugene Kaspersky, current risk management methods are not sufficient today to protect complex infrastructure. And since the model does not work, we need to redesign the architecture of all systems toward security-by-design. In other words, “security should become the DNA of systems: it is the only way to make them truly unhackable”.

Jakub Boratyński, Acting Director of Directorate H ‘Digital Society, Trust & Cybersecurity’ at the European Commission, observes that at policy level the challenge is to identify the right mix of incentives to keep cybersecurity risks at an acceptable level. Further EU regulation should also assign responsibilities to actors – from states to security vendors and IT users – in a proportionate way.

Watch the recording of the webcast here.

We would be pleased to continue this dialogue on the crucial role of trust, transparency and common security standards as well as the importance of cross-border and cross-sector cooperation with the whole cybersecurity community in the future. We are convinced that in doing so, we can all contribute to a more secure digital space at national, European, and global levels.

If you are interested in participating in further policy-related webcasts organized by Kaspersky, please email us at: Kaspersky.EU-Policy@political-intelligence.com.