Deputy PM Stefan: Cyber threats should be tackled with utmost responsibility

Cyber threats should be tackled with utmost responsibility in a globalised economy where we are witnessing an increase in digital services, Romanian Deputy Prime Minister Viorel Stefan said at the annual conference "The New Global Challenges in Cyber Security," organised by CERT-RO - the Romanian National Computer Security Incident Response Team. 

"Cyber threats should be tackled with utmost responsibility because they become increasingly more complex by the day, affecting multiple entities, whether in the private or public sectors. It is very important to be aware of the devastating effects of the attacks. Stabilisation of a cyber security culture and participation in a common security effort are essential to the development of trust in society and the development of information. Strengthening the capacity to fight against cybercrime is important through the collaboration and development of international co-operation as well as the involvement of civil and academic communities in the cyberspace," Stefan said. 

According to him, new technologies improve the government's response capability, but at the same time, emergency services can become the target of cyber attacks. 

"In a globalised economy, we are witnessing an increase in digital services, which at the same time are targets for cyber-attacks that can affect countries and continents. The same threats can affect areas of national security and key business areas of the government, for example emergency management and prevention, a field that I coordinate within the government. In this case, citizens demand more protection from the government. Emergency services are increasingly dependent on communications services. These technologies improve the government's response capability, but at the same time it can be targeted by cyber-attacks. Another aspect that can be considered concerns hybrid entities," said Stefan. 

The Romanian National Computer Security Incident Response Team (CERT-RO) organises the 8th edition of the annual "New Global Challenges in Cyber Security" conference October 16 - 17. This year's event, hosted by the National Library of Romania, aims to offer mixed debates, presentations and workshops addressing public policies and technical issues relevant to cyber security in the Romanian, European and global space. 

Guests will have the opportunity to discuss diplomatic and legal challenges related to cyber incidents, while also providing insights into capabilities and combating threats globally. 

According to the organisers, parallel sessions are dedicated to technical discussions on the latest cyber security technologies and solutions in the field of critical infrastructure protection, machine learning, forensic investigations and IoT. 

The CERT-RO conference brings together cyber security experts, government officials and policy makers, as well as representatives of private companies from various fields and industries, NGOs and academics.