ENGINEERINGNET.EU -- Alliander, DNV KEMA and KPN and two universities have set up a new European cyber security knowledge centre, called ENCS.
The center will engage in research, testing, knowledge sharing and training in the field of cyber security for critical infrastructure such as energy, water and telecom networks with the objective of helping infrastructure owners to improve their protection against cyber crime.
Critical infrastructure is becoming steadily more reliant on ICT and is thus increasingly vulnerable to cyber crime such as hacking. There is a growing need for new cyber security solutions and methods to protect these networks against such threats.
ENCS intends 'to respond to this need by creating knowledge and resources as well as facilitating cooperation between - as yet mainly - European players in energy distribution, telecom, consultancy and public services with a view to the realisation of user-oriented solutions'.
The primary focus will be on a research & development programme aimed at the needs of critical infrastructure managers and security officials who are responsible for protecting critical infrastructure.
It also offers a test facility for the extensive testing of systems designed to protect infrastructure and systems against cyber crime.
BACKGROUND
In view of the cross-border nature of cyber crime, ENCS is seeking to involve as many parties as possible in this mission. All critical infrastructure owners, suppliers of ICT and smart grid applications, private and public knowledge institutes and public sector parties in Europe can become members of ENCS – because the challenges posed by cyber security are both national and cross-border in scope. The avoidance of cyber security incidents through research, testing, education and cooperation requires, first and foremost, targeted cooperation and an international approach.
