The Minister for the Economy, Investment and Small Business Chris Cardona, has attended the launch of a Green Paper for a National Cyber Security Strategy hosted by MITA. Since February, MITA has been entrusted by Government with the development of the National Cyber Security Strategy, of which the Green Paper issued forms the initial stage of its establishment.

Minister Cardona highlighted the Government's belief in having a comprehensive strategic and concerted approach so as to ensure security within cyber space and engender trust in the use of digital services, bearing in mind the increased proliferation in the use of ICT on a national level, the increasing economic importance of the technology as well as the envisaged use of emerging technologies such as cloud computing, Big Data and internet of Things.

"It is in this light that Government is inviting all national sectors to participate in the consultative process resulting from the launch of the related Green paper," he said.

"Today's launch is the first step towards positioning cyber security as another investment towards the well-being of the Maltese economy from which we can all benefit," stated Minister Cardona.

"A data breach can not only endanger intellectual property and a company's reputation but lead to it being put out of business. SMEs in particular, which make up about 96% of the Maltese business community, may be equally exposed and should be on high alert as well. The Government is investing in the creation of an environment where business can truly thrive and be protected from any foreseeable digital threat."

MITA Executive Chairman Mr Tony Sultana reiterated the need for a National Cyber Security Strategy also emanating from Digital Malta – the National Digital Strategy 2014-2020, as well as from MITA's contribution to Government ICT Policy and infrastructure, online Public service and in the further proliferation of the use of ICT within the wider economy, as outlined within the MITA Strategy 2014-2017.

The Green Paper was defined by the Executive Chairman as the basis upon which Malta will have its own National Cyber Security Strategy along with other European States, following a nationwide consultative process.

The Green Paper addresses goals of strategic importance to cyber security namely, related governance, risk management, education, awareness and legislation – all aimed at defending and protecting the national information infrastructure and ultimately ensuring the security, safety and protection of users of cyber space.

Further details on the Green Paper can be found on www.mita.gov.mt/ncss. Feedback is welcome, with opportunities for consultations also to be announced in due course.

Photograph: DOI/Clifton Fenech

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