The latest map of Europe’s “digital fire brigades”, the Computer Emergency Response Teams, CERTs in Europe map, v.2.7, is now online. The “CERTs in Europe map” now shows 173 CERT teams. CERTs are established by EU Member State governments and other public and private sector bodies to enable a fast response to emergencies that could affect vital computer networks or information systems. At the same time as the publication of the map, an updated version of the Inventory of CERT activities in Europe is available. It provides a directory of response teams by country and includes an index of co-operation, support and standardisation activities.

The updated map and Inventory can be found online at https://www.enisa.europa.eu/activities/cert/background/inv and its subpages.

The latest CERT documents are published 12 months after EU Commissioner Neelie Kroes highlighted the importance of CERTs at the Hungarian EU Presidency conference in Balatonfüred. Commissioner Kroes also introduced the concept of ENISA “flying doctors” to be on call for Member States, with the idea developing into ENISA’s ‘Mobile Assistance Team’. The concept was reinforced in a follow-up letter from Commissioner Kroes to the Hungarian Minister Zsolt Nyitrai, and she later restated the idea in a speech. In response, ENISA set up its Mobile Assistance Team, operating from its Athens office, from where Agency experts meet Member States’ requests for assistance.

ENISA also continues to support Member States in setting up CERTs with training, workshops, and information updates. The next CERTs map and Inventory update (Q4) will include an upgrade of the online content with a more user-friendly, interactive map for easier access to information. The Agency will also launch a report on the level of deployment of the current baseline capabilities by European national/governmental CERTs.

The Executive Director of ENISA, Professor Udo Helmbrecht comments:

“These latest ENISA publications underpin that since Commissioner Kroes highlighted the importance of CERTs and introduced the Mobile Assistance Team concept, CERTs have continued to develop positively. In addition, ENISA’s Mobile Assistance Team is now playing an increasing role with Member States, responding to requests across a range of network and information security areas.”

Background:

The CERT map and Inventory documents are updated every six months. The next update is anticipated for the end of November. To always have the most up-to-date-version, and for regular news /updates on ENISA's activities, please subscribe to our RSS feeds.

Updated CERTs map v2.7.

Updated Inventory of CERTs v2.7.

For interviews: Graeme Cooper, Head of Public Affairs, Mobile: + 30 6951 782 268, press@enisa.europa.eu, or cert-relations@enisa.europa.eu