EU and US Team Up To Test Cyber Security
Fri 04 Nov, 2011 // Chris Allan
The European Network and Information Security Agency (ENISA), and the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have joined together to help explore the current capabilities of the US and the EU in the event of any cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure.
Throughout the 3rd of November, both the ENISA and DHS took part in a day long table top exercise called Cyber Atlantic 2011, in Brussels. Cyber Atlantic is a commitment that was made at the EU-US summit in Lisbon, 2010.
The long table top exercise simulated cyber crisis scenarios to help explore how the EU and US would communicate and engage with each other in the event of cyber attacks on any of their critical infrastructures. More than 20 EU member states were involved in the exercise.
The aims set out are to “tackle new threats to the global networks upon which the security and prosperity of our free societies increasingly depend.”
All participants were presented with two situations: theft of data from cybersecurity agencies using advanced persistent threats (APT's), and attacks on supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems on power generation infrastructures.
Professor Udo Helmbrecht, ENISA’s Executive Director said:
“It is an honour for ENISA to be facilitating this extremely important milestone in international cyber security cooperation. European Vice-President, Neelie Kroes, has spoken of the importance of information communications technology for today’s citizens and for the economy. The involvement of the Commission, EU Member States and, of course, the US, in today’s exercise shows the high level of commitment we have to ensuring that we protect our digital infrastructures for the benefit of all citizens.”
ENISA says that the lessons learned from Cyber Atlantic 2011 will be used to help aid and plan further joint EU and US exercises in the future.
“We have been pleased to work with commissum who have provided us with services to address our Security Assurance requirements. commissum met our demands, as an organisation operating within the Legal Services sector, with the highest level of integrity, commitment and excellent level of service. We would have no hesitation in recommending commissum.”
Mr Kenneth P, IT Manager, National Legal Services
"commissum recently provided us with services to assess a web application and supporting infrastructure. I was impressed with the consultants throughout the project, by their technical knowledge, flexibility, open communication and willingness to go that extra mile. Of particular benefit was the sound advice given both during and after the engagement. By identifying vulnerabilities promptly, accompanied with practical recommendations on how to address them. We were able to implement improvements quickly. Good value, a job well done.”
JM, Infosec Analyst, International Investment Bank
"We engaged with commissum for the first time this year and found them highly professional and a pleasure to do business with. We were particularly pleased with the report provided which was of excellent quality, with an appropriate level of detail and clarity in its recommendations. I would happily refer others to commissum.”
Mr Billy K, IT Director, National Law Firm
"We are extremely pleased with the work carried out by the commissum team. All of the commissum staff were a pleasure to work with and maintained a high level of professionalism at all times. They were able to provide us with sound advice and guidance to make sure that we got the best value for money from our test and provided excellent communication and recommendations before, during and after the tests. I would strongly recommend commissum to other companies that are looking for peace of mind in relation to their IT security and I can say that we will use commissum again for future testing.”
Chris S, IT Officer - UK Housing Association
"commissum understood exactly what we needed and delivered excellent service on time, and on budget. Why can't all companies be like them!"
Mr Duncan M, Information Security Manager - National Building Society
Get in touch with one of our security consultants today
- No obligation
- Expert advice
- Tailored solutions
"commissum was particularly responsive and the project was well managed under demanding conditions. I was very happy with the technical standard. Very good value for money as well”
Mr Kenneth Y, Head of IT Risk & Compliance, International Retail Bank
"I was very pleased with the work delivered by commissum from start to finish. The quality of reporting was excellent and the consultants very helpful with clear communication throughout the engagement. I would happily recommend commissum to others.”
Ms Louisa L, IT Manager, National Building Society
"commissum provided us with a high quality service. We found the project team helpful and flexible in responding to changes in requirement; the technical staff in particular were excellent. All commitments including deliverable timescales were met and I would have no hesitation in recommending commissum.”
Mr A Moretti, Executive Director for IT Security Risk Management, Global Investment Bank
"From the start the project went very smoothly despite the short notice. commissum maintained excellent communication throughout ........ their flexibility and responsiveness right up to the end of the project was of great value to us.”
Mr Keith H, Senior Business Manager - UK Local Government
