Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting computers, servers, networks, data and systems from malicious attacks, unauthorised access and damage.

To build a resilient digital landscape, the EU is working to strengthen Europe’s ability to prevent, combat and recover from cyberattacks.

What the EU is doing to strengthen cybersecurity

Critical sectors like transport, energy, health and finance rely on digital technologies.

While digitalisation opens up enormous opportunities, it also exposes these sectors to various cyber threats, including cyberattacks and cybercrime.

The EU has taken several measures to combat these threats and protect its citizens and business.

Cybersecurity certification

The EU cybersecurity act sets up a framework to certify the security of digital products, services and processes and enhances the role of the EU’s cybersecurity agency, ENISA.

Safer connected devices

The cyber resilience act establishes cybersecurity requirements for internet-connected products, to ensure their security throughout their lifecycle.

Reinforced solidarity between EU countries

The aim with the cyber solidarity act is to foster cooperation among member states, to improve threat detection and response to cyber incidents across Europe.

Most common cyber threats in the EU

A cyber threat is any malicious activity aimed at compromising the integrity, confidentiality or availability of digital systems, networks or data.

In today's increasingly digitalised world, cyber threats are on the rise. In the EU, the top three cyber threats are:

threats to availability
Attacks targeting the availability of a system or service by exhausting resources or overloading network infrastructure.
ransomware
Malicious software used by attackers to seize control of assets and demand a ransom to restore access or to prevent the exposure of data.
threats to data
Unauthorised access to sensitive, confidential or protected data, with the aim of manipulating, disclosing or destroying information.