Critical information infrastructure protection

Summary

ICT infrastructures are crucial to the European economy and society, providing essential services and supporting other critical infrastructures. Their disruption, as seen in the Estonia cyber-attacks (2007) and transcontinental cable breaks (2008), can significantly impact societal functions. The World Economic Forum estimated a 10-20% probability of a major CII breakdown within a decade, potentially costing $250 billion globally. This Communication emphasizes prevention, preparedness, and awareness, outlining immediate actions to enhance CII security and resilience. It aligns with Council and European Parliament debates on network and information security (NIS) policy, addressing challenges and identifying necessary EU-level instruments. The proposed actions complement efforts to prevent, combat, and prosecute criminal and terrorist activities targeting CIIs and are synergetic with EU research and international initiatives in network and information security.