EU Agency Receives New Regulation For Cyber Security

The European Network and Information Security Agency (ENISA) received on Wednesday a new regulation that aims to tackle online fraud.

The regulation is a seven- year mandate that has already been published in the Official Journal of the European Union, and will come into full effect on June 19, 2013. The regulation also includes an extensive set of duties and expectations.

ENISA’s executive director, Professor Udo Helmbrecht, stated in a press release, “The new Regulation is great news for ENISA and for cyber security in Europe. It means that ENISA now has the scope and authority to make an even bigger difference in protecting Europe’s cyberspace. We will be working more closely with Member States and putting an increased focus on cybercrime, working with Europol.”

“To reach this very positive conclusion, we have had a great deal of support, from Member States, European Parliamentarians, the European Council, the Commission and individual Commissioners. In particular, the support of MEPs Giles Chichester and Christian Ehler, and Commission Vice-President, Neelie Kroes was essential. Our ENISA staff, Management Board, Permanent Stakeholders Group and National Liaison Officers have also supported us throughout the process. I thank them all. We are now working to secure the resources we need to deliver on the important security tasks that Europe’s citizens have entrusted to us.”

The growth of online shopping and payments has been tainted by a simultaneous growth in cyber crime. Online merchants and consumers are rightfully concerned, and have looked to the members of the EU Parliament, Council and Commission for support. ENISA announced it has been dealing closely with these government cohorts to secure the tools needed to implement security solutions.

“We are now working to secure the resources we need to deliver on the important security tasks the Europe’s citizens have entrusted to us,” stated Helmbrecht.

The new regulation highlights ENISA’s recent achievements and activities in regards to fighting for cyber security, namely the Cyber Europe 2012 initiative that included 600 individuals from across Europe.

The published regulation articulates Europe’s stance and approach to cyber crime. The interface specifically focuses on how to detect online crime as well as how to prevent it. This part of the regulation was completed alongside Europol’s European Cybercrime Center (EC3.)

Moreover, the regulation also encompasses supporting researching, development and EU standards for risk management and security, cyber security legislation, how to respond to cross-border threats and much more.

Lastly, the document confirms that that the Agency’s headquarters will continue to operate in Herakilon, Crete. An operational office is also located in Athens.

To read the full press release at ENISA click here.