EU launches cyber security push

The EU Internal Security Strategy in Action was adopted today, comprising 41 proposed actions and a push to increase levels of security for citizens and businesses working online.

Under the proposals, the EU will seek to establish a cyber crime centre by 2013, a network of "computer emergency response teams" by 2012 and a European information sharing and alert system, under the name EISAS, by 2013.

The cyber crime centre would bring together expertise in both investigation and prevention of cyber crime.

The strategy was proposed by the European Commission, which is hoping the "relevant actors" will take responsibility and help initiate actions.

Other proposals covered criminal networks, terrorism, border management issues and disaster response.

"EU internal security has traditionally been following a silo mentality, focusing on one area at a time. Now we take a common approach on how to respond to the security threats and challenges ahead," said Cecilia Malmstrm, Commissioner for Home Affairs.

"Terrorism, organised, cross-border and cyber crime, and crises and disasters are areas where we need to combine our efforts and work together in order to increase the security of our citizens, businesses, and societies across the EU."

Earlier this month, the first ever cross-European cyber war simulation was successfully carried out as part of an EU initiative.