In a country which is an island , where the economy depends heavily on the supply of services and where the opportunities from oil and natural gas exploration is evident , a high level of network and information security and cybersecurity is also very important , and will contribute to the development of the required market environment and trust . The Cyprus Government has taken a number of concrete steps towards this direction in recent years , and will continue to invest heavily in the cybersecurity of the maritime and energy sectors . The Digital Security Authority ( DSA ), and its operational part , the National CSIRT-CY , has been active for just over 2 years now , with the main mandate of implementing the European Network and Information Security Directive , aiming to ensuring a safer and more secure cyberspace for the country as a whole , with special emphasis on operators of essential services and critical information infrastructures . We are planning to invest further in CSIRT-CY ’ s capacity to respond to a wider range of incidents with the development of specific maritime-related cyber expertise . We expect to be able to move forward with this , once our new and updated legislation is approved by the Parliament .
Furthermore , when this legislation is approved , we will proceed with the immediate publication of a security measures framework that has been developed by the Digital Security Authority and which will become mandatory for all critical information infrastructures in Cyprus to implement . This framework is closely aligned with relevant well-known standards such as the ISO 27001-series and related NIST publications and will further improve the security levels in Critical Information Infrastructures across the country . As per the current European approach , we will be also closely monitoring developments when it comes to specialising security requirements with a more vertical , sectoral approach . For example , additional requirements that take into account sectoral specificities will be developed – the maritime and energy sectors are prime candidates for such vertical measures , given the specialised nature of these sectors and their large contribution to the economy .
In addition to these activities , the Digital Security Authority is coordinating the implementation and update of the National Cybersecurity Strategy , which includes a number of actions in related sectors of the economy to create an effective cybersecurity posture nationwide . More recently , the Digital Security Authority has been designated as the National Cybersecurity Certification Authority under the EU Cybersecurity Act , and it will contribute actively to the relevant European developments in the certification arena . Critical infrastructures , such as those that are found in the maritime and energy sectors stand to benefit from the use of certified ICT products , services and processes to further enhance their resilience and cyber-preparedness .
The implementation of the National Cybersecurity Strategy , as well as the effective cooperation of all stakeholders for the development and implementation of the relevant actions are very important for enhancing network and information security , reducing crime , ensuring public confidence and enabling cooperation at European and international level . Considering that the success in this area requires the cooperation of the public and private sector , the competent authorities are seeking active participation of the business community , the operators and all stakeholders , particularly from the Communications and Information Technology , Energy , Health , Transport , Banking and Financial sectors .
I believe that the conference will contribute positively towards implementing cyber security practices , proactively and effectively in its target sectors , and we all stand to learn and perhaps apply what is discussed today to other sectors also .
In closing , I would like to wish you every success in today ' s conference and I truly believe that this event will contribute positively and be of great benefit to all of you that are attending today .
Thank you for your time .
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