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Network and information security can be viewed from various standpoints. These include their technical robustness, the ways in which businesses and citizens use them, and how their use is governed. Challenges to network and information security are manifold and Internet security is at the heart of the discussion. Whereas, only a couple of years ago, governments regarded security – including network and information security – as purely a national domain, security has now entered the political mainstream of the European Union’s activities. As information flows freely across national borders, so do network and information security problems. The security policy issues faced by all countries are therefore essentially the same. However, individual EU Member States have taken varying approaches to them and are at very different stages in their work. The need to get the solutions right justifies the joint decision by the European Parliament and the Council to create a centre of expertise at European level, providing guidance and, when called upon, assistance to the European Parliament, Commission and any competent body appointed by Member States. The challenge for ENISA is to help achieve high EU-wide level of security in electronic communications, and to build the “culture of security” necessary for the single market to deliver its full benefits to European citizens, consumers, enterprises and public sector bodies. This culture should combine the rapid and effective take-up of technical innovation with good security practices. Among its activities, the Agency should pay particular attention to small and medium-sized enterprises and ultimately serve as a centre of expertise where Member States, EU institutions and industry can seek advice on network and information security matters. ENISA’s independence will help promote trust and favour the direct involvement of industry, in both identifying and solving security problems in Europe.

The link address is: http://www.enisa.europa.eu