Commission’s top scientific advisers publish opinion on cybersecurity in the Digital Single Market

Today the High Level Group of the Commission’s Scientific Advice Mechanism (SAM) publishes an opinion on cybersecurity with recommendations to improve online access and safety for people and businesses in the EU. Recommendations touch upon the necessity to make systems more secure, to empower users, to strengthen Europe’s cybersecurity industry and improve the coordination on cyber-incidents across Europe. The opinion also calls for a global cybersecurity governance framework, in which the EU would play a leading role. Commission Vice-President for the Digital Single Market Andrus Ansip, who requested the opinion, said: “As cyber threats are getting increasingly sophisticated, cyber security is of major importance for the Digital Single Market. Europe’s digital economy will only bring benefits to its citizens if they can be sure of its security. For example, the Commission is organising today a roundtable on main challenges for cyber security in the energy system. The scientific opinion is another important part of our cybersecurity policy and will feed into our work on cyber security in 2017.” Carlos Moedas, Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation, added: “Citizens need confidence in the Digital Single Market and the opportunities offered by digital technologies for better services and innovation. They need to feel reassured that their privacy is protected when they do business online, to enable growth and new business and at the same time to ensure that fundamental rights and values are protected. This independent scientific opinion provides many valuable insights to help us achieve these goals.” The SAM was set up in October 2015 to contribute to the quality of EU legislation and complements the existing science advisory structures of the Commission.