Article 15 CSIRTs network CSIRTs cooperation Cybersecurity network NIS 2 Directive CSIRTs

NIS 2 Directive Article 15 – CSIRTs network

Jul 25, 2024by adam tang

Introduction

In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats, the importance of effective cooperation and information sharing among Member States cannot be understated. The NIS 2 Directive Article 15 establishes a network of national Computer Security Incident Response Teams (CSIRTs) to foster trust, promote collaboration, and enhance cybersecurity resilience across the European Union.

NIS 2 Directive Article 15 – CSIRTs network

  • Establishment of the CSIRTs Network:

    • The CSIRTs network comprises representatives from national CSIRTs, CERT-EU, the European Commission as an observer, and ENISA providing secretariat support.
    • This network aims to promote the exchange of information, best practices, and technologies among Member States to enhance their cybersecurity capabilities.

  • Key Tasks of the CSIRTs Network:

    • Exchange of information on CSIRTs’ capabilities to better understand and leverage each other's expertise.
    • Facilitate the sharing of technology, policies, tools, processes, best practices, and frameworks to strengthen cybersecurity defenses.
    • Share insights on cyber incidents, threats, risks, and vulnerabilities to improve overall situational awareness.
    • Disseminate cybersecurity publications, recommendations, and alerts to enhance preparedness and response capabilities.
    • Ensure interoperability of information-sharing specifications and protocols to enable seamless collaboration among CSIRTs.
    • Coordinate responses to cyber incidents upon request and assist Member States in addressing cross-border incidents effectively.

  • Collaborative Efforts and Support:

    • Support CSIRT coordinators in managing vulnerability disclosures and enhancing incident response capabilities.
    • Explore operational cooperation in areas such as threat intelligence sharing, early warnings, mutual assistance, and coordination principles to stay ahead of emerging cyber threats.
    • Provide updates to the Cooperation Group on activities, seek guidance, and review cybersecurity exercises conducted by ENISA for continuous improvement.
    • Foster cooperation with regional and Union-level Security Operations Centers (SOCs) for better situational awareness and response coordination.

  • Assessment and Reporting:

    • The CSIRTs network will assess operational cooperation progress every two years, culminating in a report submitted to the Cooperation Group by January 17, 2025, and subsequently biennially.
    • The assessment will be based on peer reviews, conclusions, and recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of the network's activities and collaboration.
    • The network will establish rules of procedure and procedural arrangements with EU-CyCLONe for further cooperation and coordination efforts.

Conclusion:
The establishment of the CSIRTs network under the NIS 2 Directive Article 15 signifies a significant step towards bolstering cybersecurity resilience, promoting information sharing, and enhancing cooperation among Member States.

By leveraging the collective expertise and resources of national CSIRTs, the network aims to strengthen Europe's cybersecurity posture and effectively respond to evolving cyber threats in a collaborative manner.
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