Protecting critical infrastructure

Securing Europe for tomorrow

At the heart of our modern society lie critical infrastructures – vital systems, services, and assets that ensure our well-being and the functioning of our daily lives. These include energy, transportation, telecommunications, water supply, healthcare, finance, and government operations. Protecting these infrastructures is crucial.

Critical infrastructures are often interconnected and interdependent. A disruption in one sector can cascade into others, creating a domino effect. For example, a cyberattack on a power grid can disrupt not only the energy supply but also impact transportation, communication networks, and other dependent systems. The interconnection between these systems makes the potential impact even greater, highlighting the importance of thorough protection.

Threats against critical infrastructures can arise from organised crime, terrorists, or hostile states, aiming to disrupt services, steal sensitive information, or cause physical damage. To counter such evolving threats, state-of-the-art tools and technologies are needed. This is where the European defence and security industry excels.

Our industry, representing over 4,000 companies across 18 countries, has the expertise to develop, produce, and maintain cutting-edge solutions. It invests in technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics, which are vital for identifying and countering emerging threats. It also collaborates closely with government, private companies, and research institutions to share information and expertise. And, it provides training programmes to enhance the security skills of professionals involved in critical infrastructure operations. Our industry also works to develop common frameworks for risk assessment, incident reporting, and information sharing.

To remain a place of security, stability and prosperity, Europe needs to have an efficient and competitive indigenous defence and security industry

Burkard Schmitt

Solutions for critical infrastructure protection can come from non-European companies, particularly when it comes to cybersecurity. However, this can entail serious risks. In many cases, non-European solutions come with restrictions on buyers’ access to and control over core elements of the purchased product, which limits the end-user’s ability to fully understand the solutions and to guarantee their integrity and security. This, in turn, can create political, economic, and technological vulnerabilities. Procuring critical infrastructure protection solutions from European defence and security industry avoids these risks and contributes to Europe’s technological sovereignty and strategic autonomy.

The European Security Industry

The European security industry has the expertise to work with policymakers and practitioners for technological solutions to modern security challenges. While technology alone isn't the panacea for security issues, it acts as a vital tool in ensuring safety in our intricately woven modern societies.
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