The European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) has signed a working agreement with Ukraine to bolster digital defense cooperation amidst the Russian invasion.
The agreement aims to further prepare the cyber capabilities and tools to protect Kyiv and EU states against current and future cyber threats.
Lessons learned from multiple digital assaults since Russian forces attacked Ukraine informed the decision.
This partnership was introduced during the EU-Ukraine Cybersecurity Dialogue in Warsaw last year.
Ukrainian signing partners include the National Cybersecurity Coordination Center (NCCC) and the Administration of the State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection of Ukraine (SSSCIP).
Working Arrangement Specifics
Under the strategic cooperation, the EU cyber entity and Ukrainian counterparts will facilitate activities to establish long-term guidelines and implementation to defend Europe and Ukraine’s digital landscapes.
It will cover cyber awareness and capacity building, best practices, and knowledge and information sharing.
Activities will include participation in EU-wide cybersecurity training and exercises, promotion and distribution of associated technologies and programs, support for cyber-related legislation in the energy and communications sector, and employment of systematic commonality for improved situational awareness.
“Joining our efforts will strengthen the European cyber security system, and Ukraine will participate in the formation of strategic approaches and development of new policies in the field of cyber security and cyber defense at the international level,” NCCC Head Oleksiy Danilov said.
Sharing Experiences
SSSCIP Chairman Yurii Shchyhol emphasized that the partnership is a critical part of the EU’s cyber alliance with Kyiv.
“Cyberspace has become a full-fledged component of the war that Russia has waged against Ukraine. This war has also given the whole world a clear understanding that the civilized world only together can resist aggression in cyberspace,” Shchyhol explained.
“We are ready to exchange information and share Ukraine’s experience in the world’s first cyber war to help each country become stronger in the face of new threats.”
A First Outside the EU
ENISA Executive Director Juhan Lepassaar said this is the first time the agency has collaborated with a non-EU member.
“The widespread use of cyberattacks in Russia’s war of aggression has been met with a fierce and resilient defence by our Ukrainian partners. It has also greatly increased our own levels of alertness and preparations in the EU,” he said.
“We are looking forward to implementing this Working Arrangement… in an effort to boost a higher common level of cybersecurity across Europe and as a contribution to the EU’s continuing support for Ukraine.”
