France’s Cybersecurity Strategy
October 2015
Strategies and Action Plans
The Stratégie Nationale pour la Sécurité du Numérique outlines France’s comprehensive approach to ensuring the security and resilience of its digital infrastructure. This strategy is driven by the recognition of the significant role digital technology plays in the nation’s economy, security, and daily life of its citizens. Here is a detailed introduction to the strategy:
Introduction
Background and Importance of Digital Security France is fully committed to the digital transition, leveraging its highly connected population and a robust digital economy. The nation stands at the forefront of European and global innovation, harnessing its talents and resources to foster growth and technological advancements. However, the digital realm also presents a new arena for competition and confrontation, encompassing issues such as unfair competition, espionage, disinformation, propaganda, terrorism, and cybercrime.
Strategic Vision The French government envisions a “Digital Republic in Action,” promoting national values, economic prosperity, and citizen protection. The strategy aims to create a secure digital environment that fosters sustainable growth and opportunities for French enterprises, upholds democratic values, and protects personal data and the digital lives of its citizens.
Collaborative Effort The strategy emphasizes the necessity of a collective and coordinated response to digital security challenges. It calls for the involvement of the entire national community, including the government, administrations, local authorities, businesses, and citizens. This collaborative effort is seen as essential for achieving a secure and trustworthy digital space.
Key Objectives and Strategic Directions
The strategy is built around five strategic objectives:
- Protecting Fundamental Interests and National Security
- Defense and Security of Information Systems: France aims to develop autonomous strategic thinking supported by top-tier technical expertise to defend its fundamental interests in cyberspace. This includes reinforcing the security of critical networks and enhancing resilience against major cyber attacks through national and international cooperation.
- Establishing Digital Trust
- Privacy and Personal Data Protection: Measures will be implemented to ensure that cyberspace remains a trusted environment for businesses and individuals. This includes public vigilance over personal data usage and developing security products tailored to the general public. A comprehensive support system for victims of cybercrime will be established to provide technical and judicial responses.
- Raising Awareness and Enhancing Education
- Initial and Continuous Training: Recognizing the insufficient individual awareness of digital risks, the strategy will strengthen cybersecurity education from schools to higher education and ongoing professional development. This aims to meet the growing demand for cybersecurity experts in businesses and administrations.
- Fostering a Thriving Digital Business Environment
- Industrial Policy and Internationalization: The global growth of digital markets and their security demands offer differentiation opportunities for French products and services. The state will support investments, innovation, and exports to develop a favorable environment for secure digital enterprises.
- Promoting European Digital Sovereignty and Stability
- International Cooperation and Influence: France will advocate for a strategic roadmap for European digital autonomy and strengthen its influence in international bodies. It will also support less protected countries in developing cybersecurity capabilities, contributing to global cyberspace stability.