27 March, 2013

ETNO visits the European Cybercrime Centre in The Hague

The Hague – Today, a delegation of the ETNO Executive Board is visiting the recently opened European Cybercrime Centre which has been set up as part of the Commission's Cyber Security Strategy. The EU Cyber Security Strategy is a joint initiative of Vice-President Neelie Kroes, Commissioner for the Digital Agenda; Cecilia Malmström, Commissioner for Home Affairs; and, Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

"Security is a key priority for ETNO members and is an important factor to enable consumers to embrace the Internet with confidence. ETNO members have a long record of commitment to high standards of security and we particularly welcome the launch of the European Cybercrime Centre to help drive a coordinated EU approach in the fight against cybercrime. ETNO members are therefore looking forward to this exchange of information and exploring areas of mutual interest and ways to cooperate with the newly created Centre", says Luigi Gambardella, ETNO Executive Board Chair.

Mr Troels Oerting, Head of the European Cybercrime Centre (EC3) at Europol welcoming the ETNO Board, says: "As society becomes more and more dependent on the Internet, the services provided by the telecommunications sector are increasingly designated as critical infrastructure. Without them our banks, our healthcare and energy providers, and even the emergency services cannot do their jobs. Organisations like ETNO are essential to the success of the European Cybercrime Centre's (EC3) fight against cybercrime. Together we can provide a stronger, more coordinated response to electronic attacks, cyber frauds and child exploitation."

The main topics to be discussed and explored are the Centre's work in child protection online, data retention, data / security breaches and cloud computing. ETNO members have previously welcomed the launch of the EU Cyber Security Strategy and have expressed their initial support for the draft Directive on Network and Information Security which extends the security requirements to all internet enablers offering key online services to citizens. (see http://etno.eu/home/press-corner/etno-press-releases/2013/142)

Click here to download this press release.