The increasing vulnerability against cyber threats and incidents demands effective regulation. Nonetheless, the present framework against such threats to date have been deemed inadequate.

In response, on the 18^th of April 2023, the European Commission tabled a draft law with the principal goal of strengthening harmonisation in order to mitigate the increasing vulnerability by detecting, preparing and responding to cybersecurity threats and incidents within the European Union (“EU”).

Coined the Cyber Solidarity Act, the proposal seeks to implement measures from existing strategies. These measures include the European Cyber Shield which consists of a network of ‘Security Operations Centres’within Member States which aims to improve detection, analysis and response to cybersecurity incidents.

Another included measure is the creation of a Cyber Emergency Mechanism in order to prepare, respond and recover from large-scale cyber incidents.

Lastly, the establishment of a European Cybersecurity Incident Review Mechanism which aims to review and assess large-scale incidents to further develop the EU’s shielding against future threats.

In tandem, this ‘package’ of measures aims to: 1) Strengthen detection and awareness of cyber threats; 2) Reinforce preparedness of critical entities; and 3) Enhance the EU’s resilience against such threats.

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The full text of the Cyber Solidarity Act can be read here.

For more information on how the Cyber Solidarity Act impacts you, please contact Dr Ian Gauci.