What role did ANSSI play in organising this event?
The initiative for the event (we are in its fifth edition) came from ENISA, the European Union Agency for Network and Information Security.
Security awareness-raising activities will be held in France throughout the month of October, directed at professionals, private individuals and students.
ANSSI is coordinating the programme of activities in France, and will be organising awareness activities. But it’s not alone: many institutional players are participating in the event.
As a general rule, we work closely with ENISA. ANSSI has a representative, Jean-Baptiste Demaison, on the Agency’s board, which isn’t involved in operations, rather plays a prevention and awareness role.
Is it important that cyber security be dealt with on the European scale?
Absolutely. We believe strongly in a European approach. We also believe that France needs to play a major role. Along with Germany and Estonia, France is a leader on digital security issues. We accept our responsibilities, but it’s also in our country’s interest because threats and attacks know no borders. That makes cooperation essential.
Concretely, what will happen next month?
We will be addressing a number of issues throughout the month, like digital security in the professional sphere, governance and data security, digital security at home and training. Conferences will be held across France, and web com campaigns and awareness videos will also be broadcast.
Government ministries are also getting involved: the Ministry of Finance will be addressing companies, the Ministry of Defence is very proactive and will be examining recruitment issues, and the Ministry of Education and Social Affairs will also be working to raise awareness among their people.
The topic will also be dealt with on the local level through our correspondents and Chambers of Commerce. We need to raise awareness with small businesses, but it’s up to decision makers to take charge. Industry plays a key role in spreading the security message. It’s essential that we use this event to remind everyone that digital security is everybody’s business.
