The Commission
has also instructed its information security agency to prepare to
handle security incidents in a bid to increase network security
across Europe.
“The nature of the threat is changing and so must our response”
said information society and media commissioner Viviane Reding. “In
the past, hackers were motivated by a desire to show off whereas
today, many threats come from criminal activities and are motivated
by profit. What we need is a renewed strategy."
A statement from the European Commission called for talks to
begin on "a new IT security strategy for Europe". In a list of
specific proposals, the Commission said that the European Network
and Information Security Agency (ENISA), which was established in
Greece last year, "will be entrusted to develop an appropriate data
collection framework to handle security incidents".
The Commission also plans an information sharing and alert
system to be operated by ENISA, similar to that already run by
commercial anti-virus and security companies.
The Commission issued the plans because of worries that poor
security could discourage users from using digital technologies.
"The Commission believes that an open dialogue involving all
stakeholders is essential for building consumer trust and
confidence and for supporting the widespread take-up of digital
services," said the Commission statement.
The Commission was careful, though, not to take the place of
commercial companies, whose technologies must still be the
principal method of protection. "A key role in promoting a greater
awareness of security is to be played by public authorities,
although it is largely up to the private sector to provide
solutions," said the statement.
