Malicious cyber activities pose an increasing threat to our societies, our economies and our political systems. And no one is safe from virtual, yet very real… attacks. So, what tools does the EU have to respond to such threats? And what is its strategy? Join us in the world of cyberspace!

EPRS policy podcast - Understanding the EU's approach to cyber diplomacy and cyber defence

The progress of&nbsp;digital transformation&nbsp;has inevitably led to new cybersecurity threats.&nbsp;Also the COVID19 crisis has again exposed the cyber vulnerabilities of some critical sectors, in particular healthcare, while teleworking and social distance has increased our dependency on digital technologies and connectivity.

As&nbsp; a consequence, in December 2020 the European Commission launched a new EU Cybersecurity Strategy&nbsp;to make physical and digital critical entities more resilient.

The European Parliament and the Coucil reached a deal on&nbsp;May 2022 on the new rules to&nbsp;strengthen EU-wide resilience

The agreed text&nbsp;sets tighter cybersecurity obligations in terms of risk management, reporting obligations and information sharing. The requirements include incident response, supply chain security, encryption and vulnerability disclosure, among other provisions.

Cybersecurity

The omnipresence of information systems across all sectors and in human daily life leaves society exposed to numerous types of cyber risks that might have profound impact not only on the digital sphere, but also on the off-line world. Revelations of surveillance activities and cyber incidents have left no doubt about the vulnerability of Europe, both in its use of information and communication technologies (ICT) and in its own supply of technologies and solutions

In September 2017, the Commission adopted a cybersecurity package with new initiatives to further improve EU cyber-resilience, deterrence and defence. As part of these, the Commission tabled a legislative proposal to strengthen the EU Agency for Network Information Security (ENISA).

Cybersecurity - 8th parliamentary term

The end of May 2019 marked the first year since the full application of the General data protection regulation (GDPR).

The Parliament and the Commission have stressed that the full potential of data as a social good cannot be unlocked until citizens' lack of trust in technology and their sense of a loss of control of their personal data is properly addressed. Various matters are concerned: Artificial Intelligence (AI); Facial Recognition Technology (FRT); The Internet of Things (IoT); etc.

Data Protection

Internet use and the number of connected devices continue to increase, but so do cyber threats. Parliament has approved new legislation to improve your security.

Activities by cybercriminals are increasing in complexity and sophistication. On Tuesday 12 March 2019, MEPs voted in favour of the cybersecurity act which aims to improve the European response to the increasing number of cyber threats by strengthening the role of the European Agency for Network and Information Security (Enisa) and establishing a common cybersecurity certification framework.

Under the plans Enisa will get more staff and funding, while cybersecurity cooperation between EU countries will be intensified. There will be standardised certification for IT equipment across Europe. Initially certification is voluntary.

See more on this topic by visiting our <a href="https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/cybersecurity-8th-parliamentary-term_11301_pk">package</a> for the 8th parliamentary term. ​​​​​​​

Cybersecurity (2020)

Internet use and the number of connected devices continue to increase, but so do cyber threats. Parliament has approved new legislation to improve your security.

Activities by cybercriminals are increasing in complexity and sophistication. On Tuesday 12 March 2019, MEPs voted in favour of the cybersecurity act which aims to improve the European response to the increasing number of cyber threats by strengthening the role of the European Agency for Network and Information Security (Enisa) and establishing a common cybersecurity certification framework.

#EUelections2019 - Network and information security / cybersecurity

EP Plenary session - Horizontal cybersecurity requirements for products with digital elements and amending Regulation

Trilogue: Amendment to the Cyber Security Act

Cyberdays 2023

SEDE Workshop on the ' role of cyber in the Russian war against Ukraine '

EP Plenary session - Lessons learnt from the Pandora Papers and other revelation

EP Plenary session - Joint debate - Pegasus spyware

EP Plenary session - Joint debate - Crypto-assets

EP Plenary session - Adoption of the Cyber package proposals

Roundtable - Cyber Resilience Act

EP Plenary session - A high common level of cybersecurity

EP Plenary session - Topical debate - Use of the Pegasus Software by EU Member States against individuals including MEPs and the violation of fundamental rights

EP Plenary session - EU preparedness to cyber-attack following Russia invasion on Ukraine

Press conference - Protecting human rights defenders: The Pegasus Committee

EP Plenary session - The surveillance of politicians, prosecutors, lawyers and journalists, and other persons and entities in the EU Members States using cyber surveillance software

EP Plenary session - State of EU cyber defence capabilities

Stockshot on Cyber attack.

EP Plenary Session - Joint debate - Cyberattacks in the EU

LEX Signing ceremony: - signature of ten COD LEX by David SASSOLI, EP President and by Ana Paula ZACARIAS, Portuguese Secretary of State for European Affairs, on behalf of the Presidency of the Council

The ITRE Committee (EP Committee on Industry, Research and Energy) votes on a report on EU Cyber Resilience Act, which introduces mandatory cybersecurity requirements for the design, development, production and making available on the market of hardware and software products to avoid overlapping requirements stemming from different pieces of legislation in EU Member States. Extracts from the vote and statement by Nicola DANTI (Renew, IT), Rapporteur

EU Cyber Resilience Act: extracts from the vote and statement by Nicola DANTI (Renew, IT), Rapporteur

The infoclips illustrates the devices which fall under the requirements of the Cyber Resilience Act, like smart vacuum cleaners, smart washing machine, smart watches, security cameras, etc. The latest proposal in the EU Cyber Resilience Act Introduces mandatory cybersecurity requirements for products with digital elements and it covers a broad range of devices - it would include all products that are connected either directly or indirectly to another device or network, including hardware, software and ancillary services and would impose obligations on manufacturers, importers, and distributors of these products to provide duty of care across their whole life cycle. The proposal aims to ensure better protection for consumers through increasing the responsibility of manufacturers by obliging them to provide security support and software updates to address identified vulnerabilities, and providing them with information about cybersecurity of products they buy and use.

Infoclip: EU Cyber Resilience Act, better protection for smart devices

MEPs are set to adopt recommendations to tackle and prevent spyware abuse in Europe, based on the inquiry into illicit use of Pegasus and other spyware. The recommendations set out a range of proposals, including investigations into suspected abuse; EU standards for the deploy of spyware; legal remedies for people who have been targeted; strict enforcement of the EU’s export control rules; an EU Tech Lab to conduct technical investigations; and co-ordination with third countries. Closing statements by Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice and by Sophia IN 'T VELD (Renew, NL), Rapporteur.

Pegasus spyware: closing statements by Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice and by Sophia IN 'T VELD (Renew, NL), Rapporteur

MEPs are set to adopt recommendations to tackle and prevent spyware abuse in Europe, based on the inquiry into illicit use of Pegasus and other spyware. The recommendations set out a range of proposals, including investigations into suspected abuse; EU standards for the deploy of spyware; legal remedies for people who have been targeted; strict enforcement of the EU’s export control rules; an EU Tech Lab to conduct technical investigations; and co-ordination with third countries. Second part of the debate.

Pegasus spyware: MEPs debate (part 2)

MEPs are set to adopt recommendations to tackle and prevent spyware abuse in Europe, based on the inquiry into illicit use of Pegasus and other spyware. The recommendations set out a range of proposals, including investigations into suspected abuse; EU standards for the deploy of spyware; legal remedies for people who have been targeted; strict enforcement of the EU’s export control rules; an EU Tech Lab to conduct technical investigations; and co-ordination with third countries. First part of the debate.

Pegasus spyware: MEPs debate (part 1)

MEPs debate recommendations to tackle and prevent spyware abuse in Europe, based on the inquiry into illicit use of Pegasus and other spyware. The recommendations set out a range of proposals, including investigations into suspected abuse; EU standards for the deploy of spyware; legal remedies for people who have been targeted; strict enforcement of the EU’s export control rules; an EU Tech Lab to conduct technical investigations; and co-ordination with third countries. Opening statements by Sophia IN 'T VELD (Renew, NL), Rapporteur and by Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice.

Pegasus spyware: opening statements by Sophia IN 'T VELD (Renew, NL), Rapporteur and by Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice

MEPs adopt recommendations based on the inquiry into illicit use of Pegasus and other spyware and its impact on democracy, civil society and the media. In a debate on Wednesday and recommendations put to the vote on Thursday, Parliament will present its proposals for tackling spyware abuse in Europe. In its final report adopted in May, the Committee of Inquiry investigating Pegasus and other spyware raised concerns about the impact of spyware abuse on democracy, civil society and the media in several EU member states. Extracts from the debate and from the vote.

Pegasus spyware: extracts from the joint debate

During its year-long mandate, the Committee of Inquiry to investigate the use of Pegasus and equivalent surveillance spyware (PEGA) commissioned studies, held hearings with experts and people targeted with spyware, and organised several fact-finding visits. Pegasus is a hacking tool designed to secretly turn mobile phonesinto 24-hour surveillance devices, as it grants complete and unrestricted access to all sensors and information of the targeted device. The transcript is the result of an automated process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Jeroen LENAERS (EPP, NL) chair of the PEGA Committee and Sophie IN 'T VELD (RE, NL), rapporteur on the adoption of the PEGA Inquiry conclusions

MEPs debate the first EU rules to ensure the traceability of crypto-asset transfers, to prevent money laundering, terrorist financing, and other crimes. Closing statements Stefan BERGER (EPP, DE); Ernest URTASUN (Greens/EFA, ES) and Assita KANKO (ECR, BE), Rapporteurs and by Mairead MCGUINNESS, European Commissioner for Financial Services.

Joint debate - Crypto-assets: closing statements by Stefan BERGER (EPP, DE); Ernest URTASUN (Greens/EFA, ES) and Assita KANKO (ECR, BE), Rapporteurs and by Mairead MCGUINNESS, European Commissioner for Financial Services

MEPs debate the first EU rules to ensure the traceability of crypto-asset transfers, to prevent money laundering, terrorist financing, and other crimes.

Joint debate - Crypto-assets: MEPs debate

MEPs debate the first EU rules to ensure the traceability of crypto-asset transfers, to prevent money laundering, terrorist financing, and other crimes. Opening statements by Stefan BERGER (EPP, DE); Ernest URTASUN (Greens/EFA, ES) and Assita KANKO (ECR, BE), Rapporteurs and by Mairead MCGUINNESS, European Commissioner for Financial Services. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Joint debate - Crypto-assets: opening statements by Stefan BERGER (EPP, DE); Ernest URTASUN (Greens/EFA, ES) and Assita KANKO (ECR, BE), Rapporteurs and by Mairead MCGUINNESS, European Commissioner for Financial Services

MEP’s adopt the Cyber package proposals of the Commision which establishes common cybersecurity measures across the European Union institutions, bodies, offices and agencies. It aims to bolster the institutions’ resilience and response capacities against cyber threats and incidents, as well as to ensure a resilient, secure EU public administration, amidst rising malicious cyber activities in the global landscape. The legislative package covers a broad range of devices, including hardware, software and applications and would impose obligations on manufacturers, importers, and distributors of these products across their whole life cycle. Closing statements by Margaritis SCHINAS, Vice-President of the European Commission and by Thierry BRETON, European Commissioner for Internal Market.

Adoption of the Cyber package proposals: closing statements by Margaritis SCHINAS, Vice-President of the European Commission and by Thierry BRETON, European Commissioner for Internal Market

MEPs debate on the Cyber package proposals of the Commision which establishes common cybersecurity measures across the European Union institutions, bodies, offices and agencies. It aims to bolster the institutions’ resilience and response capacities against cyber threats and incidents, as well as to ensure a resilient, secure EU public administration, amidst rising malicious cyber activities in the global landscape. The legislative package covers a broad range of devices, including hardware, software and applications and would impose obligations on manufacturers, importers, and distributors of these products across their whole life cycle.

Adoption of the Cyber package proposals: MEPs debate

MEPs debate the Cyber package proposals of the Commision which establishes common cybersecurity measures across the European Union institutions, bodies, offices and agencies. It aims to bolster the institutions’ resilience and response capacities against cyber threats and incidents, as well as to ensure a resilient, secure EU public administration, amidst rising malicious cyber activities in the global landscape. The legislative package covers a broad range of devices, including hardware, software and applications and would impose obligations on manufacturers, importers, and distributors of these products across their whole life cycle. Opening statement by Margaritis SCHINAS, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of promoting our European Way of Life and by Thierry BRETON, European Commissioner for Internal Market.

Adoption of the Cyber package proposals: opening statements by Margaritis SCHINAS, Vice-President of the European Commission and by Thierry BRETON, European Commissioner for Internal Market

Russia launched its war on Ukraine on 24 February 2022, but Russian cyber-attacks against Ukraine have persisted ever since Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, intensifying just before the 2022 invasion. Over this period, Ukraine’s public, energy, media, financial, business and non-profit sectors have suffered the most. The European Parliament has called for stepping up cybersecurity assistance to Ukraine and for making full use of the EU’s cyber-sanctions regimes against individuals, entities and bodies responsible for or involved in the various cyber-attacks targeting Ukraine. Restrictions: ©The material may not be edited and must be shown entirely.

EPRS - Building cyber resilience in Ukraine and the EU

The internet provides many opportunities for kids to learn and explore, to be creative or to interact with their friends and family, but it also entails many risks such as cyberbullying, age-inappropriate content, disinformation and sexual abuse. In May 2022, the European Commission published a new European strategy for a better internet for kids (BIK+). The new strategy contributes to the vision for the EU's digital transformation by 2030 and reflects the principle, 'Children and young people should be protected and empowered online'. Restrictions: ©The material may not be edited and must be shown entirely.

EPRS - Creating a better internet for kids

Our dependency on the internet is growing in step with our vulnerability to cyber threats. The number of countries hit by cyber-attacks increased by 150 % between 2017 and 2019. Cyber-attacks spiked further during the Covid-19 pandemic. Cyber attackers operate through espionage, sabotage or even warfare. They mostly target digital service providers, governments and critical infrastructures, harming them with ransomware, data breaches or the spread of disinformation. Restrictions: ©The material may not be edited and must be shown entirely.

EPRS - Peace and security: cyber threats

EPRS identifies and frames some of the top key issues that might feature prominently in public debate and on the political agenda of the European Union this year. In times of crises and war, what are the challenges we must face and choices we have to make? Restrictions: ©The material may not be edited and must be shown entirely.

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