In a digital and connected world, hybrid threats exploit the dependence of individuals, organizations and States on the internet and cyberspace. Critical infrastructures, also operating in a networked environment are, today, appealing targets for cyber-attacks of a high disruptive and destructive power. New threats, exploiting the vulnerabilities of an information age society, raise new social risks and require a concerted response, both at national and international levels.
Portugal has been investing, essentially over the last decade, in its national cybersecurity and digital infrastructure’s structural and functional resilience but it is also crucial to ensure critical infrastructures’ protection to manage social risks and defend national sovereignty.
This article covers the national critical infrastructures protection in the scope of the European Digital Agenda. In this work we will characterize the fundamentals associated with the formulation of a cybersecurity and cyber defence policy and strategy, a framework for digital resilience and a succinct analysis of the protection of critical infrastructures and the safeguarding of essential services in the scope of both, national and European contexts.
Colonel Paulo Viegas Nunes
Deputy Director of Education of the Military Academy
Director of the CAIH Implementation Group
Head of the CIIWA Board EURODEFENCE Portugal Associate
Eng.º Paulo Moniz
Director IT Cybersecurity and Risk – EDP Group
Member of CIIWA Board
Adviser to EURODEFENCE Portugal Board
