The Government of Cyprus, with the assistance of ITU, launched its National Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT-CY) to identify, respond to and manage cyber-threats.
The establishment of the CSIRT was the result of a project signed between ITU and Cyprus in December 2016 aimed at strengthening the country’s cybersecurity capacity.
The CSIRT-CY was inaugurated on 25 June 2018 in Nicosia, at a ceremony attended by H.E. Vassiliki Anastasiadou, Minister of Transport, Communications and Works of Cyprus, George Michaellides, Commissioner of Electronic Communications and Postal Regulation of Cyprus and Brahima Sanou, BDT Director.
“Our National CSIRT is the cornerstone of the nations’ cybersecurity,” said Minister Anastassiadou. “Our aim is to offer top quality services, to the benefit of the economy and the citizens.”
“ITU’s mission through CSIRT-CY goes beyond technical issues. It is part of the global move to make this world a better place to live in, for us and future generations,” said Brahima Sanou. “It is through a secured cyberspace that ICTs will be able to accelerate the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals.”
During the implementation of the project, ITU provided external experts who assisted the country in various aspects including design, development of policies and standard operating procedures, software installation and staff training.
CSIRT-CY handles reported cyber incidents, proactively identifying potential threats and coordinating with relevant government agencies nationally, regionally and globally to reduce the impact of the cyberattacks.
As part of its collaboration with ITU, the CSIRT-CY will host the 2018 ITU Regional Cyberdrill for Europe in November 2018.
Building confidence and security in the use of telecommunications/ICTs is one of the objective of the ITU Telecommunication Development Sector (ITU-D) endorsed by the 2017 World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC-17). It aims at strengthening the capacity of Member States to effectively share information, find solutions, respond to threats to cybersecurity and to develop and implement national strategies and capabilities.
The project is now complete and has put Cyprus on the Cybersecurity map. As a follow up to the project, CSIRT-CY has managed to secure EC CEF funding for further enhancements and is currently working on this.
Please visit CSIRT-CY web portal for more information and updates on its actions.
