ENISA: Four priorities for European cybersecurity
The European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) published its research and innovation brief which outlines four noteworthy challenges, gaps, and solutions for European cybersecurity. These are: the importance of a hyperconnected world; computational security; intelligent systems; and cybersecurity in life sciences (cyberbiosecurity).
Hyperconnected worldThe report states that the main challenge is the generation of a “broader understanding on how hyperconnectivity may influence humanity and the social and political dimensions”. To solve this, ENISA proposes the re-definition of human-computer interaction, and the concomitant security risks that are associated with this. Also, it alludes to the challenges of ensuring that cybersecurity technology keeps pace with the transition from 5G to 6G for the next generation, stating that: “Multidisciplinary and future-oriented research will be required to facilitate the transition to this inevitable hyperconnected world.” |
Computational securityThere is a notable lack of skills in cryptography, as well as a reduced number of market opportunities. Owing to this, there is a need for standardisation and efficient support for developers working in the field, as well as the need to move cryptography research from fields to being embedded within hardware. The report recommends planning and preparation for the transition to the “post-quantum era” of cryptographic systems, as well as implementing the cryptographic systems which are necessary side channel attacks. It additionally recommends the establishment of standards for quantum-resilient safe algorithms and protocols. |
Intelligent systemsBetter understanding is needed of the socio-economic ramifications with artificial intelligence (AI) applied to cybersecurity, with further requirements to develop technical and regulatory excellence. Furthermore, there is currently not enough institutional capacity to deal with AI. The report outlines the need to link vertical and horizontal views on AI research, design of approaches for monitoring large-scale and possibly interconnected systems. It also advocates for the exploration for biomimetic cybersecurity algorithms, as well as the inclusion of context awareness in machine learning in order to boost resiliency. |
Cybersecurity in life sciences (cyberbiosecurity)There is a technological skills and training gap for life science researchers, thus necessitating a better understanding of the implications of cybersecurity for life sciences research. There is also no clear vision of the security implications of life science technologies for cybersecurity research. ENISA aims to combat these challenges by the establishment of a risk management framework in the field of public health microbiology, for example, modern DNA sequencing. It also outlines the need to categorise bio-vulnerabilities in the context of cyber, as well as identify processes and routines throughout the life science fields that require cyber-interfaces and reliance on automation. |
