Latvia approves new Cyber Security Strategy 2019-2022

On 17 September, Cabinet of Ministers approved the informative report ‘Cyber Security Strategy of Latvia for 2019-2022’ presented by Ministry of Defence. The strategy describes cyber security context of Latvia, identifies future challenges and national cyber security policy priorities. 

Cyber security policy aims to strengthen and improve cyber security capabilities by boosting resilience against cyber-attacks and enhancing public awareness of threats in cyberspace. To achieve its objective, policy proposes actions in five areas: enhanced cyber security and manageable digital security risks; resilience of ICT systems; better universal access to strategic ICT systems and services; public awareness, education and research; international cooperation; rule of law in cyber space and cyber-crime prevention. 

According to the Strategy, Ministry of Defence and other competent authorities will have to complete specific tasks, for example, define security standards for cloud computing, smart devices and on-line services; develop recommendations for authentication of digital signature; raise public awareness on internet safety; educate public and local administration staff on ICT safety; strengthen the capacity of law enforcement community to prosecute cyber-crime. 

Strategy also provides for engagement of public and private actors in strengthening resilience of cyber security systems, investments in ICT security, supply security and personnel training.  

Today Cabinet of Ministers also approved another informative report, ‘Implementation of Action Plan for Cyber Security Strategy of Latvia for 2014-2018’, presented by Ministry of Defence. This note takes stock of the implementation of strategy for the previous planning period. Main tasks of previous strategy were to develop legal framework for cyber security and ICT security systems across all sectors. Action Plan also included ensuring of cyber security during Latvia’s EU presidency, scaling up of e-authentication and use of digital signature, development of National Armed Force cyber security capabilities, launching of Youth Cyber Guard initiative, etc.  

Cyber Security Strategy of Latvia for 2014-2018 was the first cyber security policy document and some of its activities, for example, monitoring of ICT infrastructure, continued scaling up of eID and raising of public awareness on cyber security, will extended into the next period until 2022. 

Cyber security is part of comprehensive national defence system. Considering the potential national and social impact of cyber attacks, cyber security is becoming more and more crucial in comprehensive national defence, which aims to engage every member of the society in defending Latvia against all types of conflicts, including both the military and non-military conflicts.

Media contacts:
Media Relations Section
Military Public Affairs Department
Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Latvia
E-mail: prese@mod.gov.lv
Website: www.mod.gov.lv