Over the years, the European Union (EU) has managed to create a minimal harmonization framework to deal with the perpetual challenge of cyber security. Albeit, EU aims to fortify its digital security controls, the threats posed by cyber criminals still linger. Recently, the European Council asked for the adoption of a conventional approach to EU cyber security to decrease the constantly evolving threats. For example, the recent ransomware attacks WannaCry and Petya illustrate the potential threats of cyber crime. These prove to be the instances that depict how essential it is to have a security posture that doesn’t just help deal with cyber attacks but also helps prevent them. Thus, to equip new tools and a uniform approach to EU cyber security, the High Representatives of EU commission, are proposing various directives to obliterate cyber-thieves from stealing data, committing frauds, and even destabilizing governments.
On 13th of September, 2017, Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission, stated, “In the past three years, we have made progress in keeping Europeans safe online. But Europe is still not well equipped when it comes to cyber attacks. This is why, today, the Commission is proposing new tools, including a European cyber security agency, to help defend us against such attacks.”
This proposal brings forth several new initiatives to reform cyber security in Europe such as building a reliable EU cyber security agency, introducing an EU-wide cyber security certification scheme, and swiftly implementing the NIS directive. With the ever-increasing cyber security challenges, many businesses and governments across the EU are seeking digital solutions to bolster on-premise security infrastructure.
To assist these entities and their CIOs build stronger EU cyber security mechanisms, a distinguished panel of CEOs, CIOs, VCs, and analysts, along with the CIO Applications’ editorial board has selected capable cyber security solution providers. The companies featured in this edition demonstrate the ability to strengthen cyber security and enhance cyber resilience across Europe.