Icelandic National Cybersecurity Strategy 2022–2037

The Icelandic National Cybersecurity Strategy 2022–2037 outlines the government’s vision and objectives for cybersecurity within Iceland. It aims to address the increasing reliance on digital solutions and the corresponding rise in cyber threats. The strategy emphasises the need for a secure cyberspace to ensure economic and social progress. It replaces the older strategy from 2015 and is part of the government’s broader Electronic Communications Plan, ensuring the coordination of cybersecurity efforts across various ministries and institutions. The strategy will be reviewed every three years to assess its effectiveness based on defined indicators.

The Cyberspace

Cyberspace encompasses a wide range of digital services and solutions that are integral to modern society. While these developments enhance living standards and prosperity, they also introduce new vulnerabilities and threats. Effective cybersecurity is essential to protect the opportunities offered by the internet. This requires active cooperation among public administration, industry, and the public, considering cross-discipline values like education, gender, age, and cultural background.

Vision and Objectives

The vision of the strategy is to ensure that Icelanders enjoy secure internet usage based on a strong security culture, reliable cybersecurity, and comprehensive legislation. The strategy aims to foster trust in digital solutions, protect human rights and personal data, and support innovation and progress.

The strategy sets two primary objectives:

1. Exceptional Competence and Utilisation of Cybersecurity Technology
   • Enhance knowledge and competence through public education, research, and international cooperation.
   • Increase the ability to avoid, respond to, and minimise damage from cyber-attacks using advanced technology and best practices.
2. Secure Cyber Environment
   • Strengthen law enforcement on the internet and develop a legal framework aligned with international standards.
   • Emphasise the protection of children and other vulnerable groups on the internet.
   • Improve security infrastructure, risk assessment, and resilience of critical infrastructures.

Key Dimensions of Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity measures are essential to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data and systems. These measures combat cybersecurity threats and incidents, which can stem from various sources, including cybercrimes, technical failures, natural events, and human errors. Effective cybersecurity enhances trust in digital solutions, ensuring they contribute to societal progress.

Cooperation

Successful cybersecurity requires structured cooperation across public administration, industry, and the public. This includes clear divisions of roles and responsibilities, active coordination, and wide-reaching consultation. International cooperation is also vital to keep pace with global trends and advancements in cybersecurity.

Impact on Icelandic Society

International Impact:

• Active participation in international cybersecurity cooperation enhances Iceland’s competence and innovation in digital services.
• A robust legal and regulatory framework against cybercrime improves Iceland’s digital reputation and competitiveness.

Regional Impact:

• Increased coordination in cybersecurity enables municipalities to provide secure digital services, regardless of location.
• Cooperation between municipalities optimises the use of limited resources and supports small and medium-sised enterprises (SMEs).

Private Sector Impact:

• Joint efforts between the private sector and government strengthen the cybersecurity foundation for digital technology use.
• Varied education and training programs in cybersecurity support the development of necessary competencies for both national and international competition.

Public Impact:

• Enhanced cooperation in cybersecurity enables the public to leverage digital opportunities safely.
• Awareness-raising and education initiatives help the public understand their responsibilities when using the internet.
• Improvements in law enforcement on the internet ensure that everyone feels their rights are protected online.

The strategy highlights the importance of cybersecurity for all sectors of society and underscores the need for ongoing vigilance, education, and international collaboration to maintain and improve cybersecurity standards in Iceland.