Cybersecurity

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) are rapidly developing and constitute basic growth drivers globally for the digital transformation of the social, political and economic life. State-of-the-art technologies, such as 5G networks, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the “Internet of Things” (IoT), will form the basis of new products and services critical for the functioning of future economic, political and social activities.

Nevertheless, the introduction of new technologies and the increasing dependence on ICTs create new threats as vulnerabilities to cyber attacks rise. Consequently, the capacity and willingness of state and non-state actors to pursue their goals through malign acts in cyberspace increase as well.

Due to these evolving threats and challenges, cybersecurity now constitutes an important pillar for preventing conflicts, maintaining peace, stability and national security, thus becoming a very crucial agenda subject throughout all international fora, including the UN, EU, OSCE and NATO.

As a member state of the European Union, Greece actively participates in the establishment of common measures for a high level of cybersecurity across the Union. The EU has established a multilayered cybersecurity framework, which constitutes globally a unique example of multilateral cybersecurity capacity building. At the core of EU policy on cybersecurity, the EU cybersecurity strategy for the digital decade focuses on three areas of action: a) resilience, technological dominance and leadership role, b) preventive and responsive operational capacity building and c) promotion of a global and open cyberspace.

Having recognized the fundamental importance of safeguarding ICTs from cyber threats, Greece has undertaken a number of important initiatives, aiming to harmonize with international and EU standards, safeguard new technologies and strengthen the confidence in digital applications and services to the benefit of our economy and society.

Greece also participates and contributes to all international fora, in which consultations are being held on cybersecurity issues (UN, NATO, OSCE), with the following priorities: (a) safeguarding the open, free, and secure character of cyberspace, (b) promoting the adherence to International Law both online and offline and the peaceful resolution of disputes, (c) implementing the rules, norms, and principles of responsible state behavior in cyberspace, and (d) underscoring the importance of capacity building related to cybersecurity.