Cyber Security and Trust: Tools for Multi-agency Cooperation between Public Authorities

Abstract

Functions vital to society, such as public protection and disaster relief (PPDR), are increasingly dependent on networks, electricity and data processing infrastructure. Incidents such as natural hazards and organized crime do not respect national boundaries. As a consequence, there is a need for European collaboration and information sharing related to public safety communications, and information exchange environments, technologies and procedures. This multiple case study analysis collects together research results from four earlier research projects. The main research question is: How can cyber security and trust-building be understood and designed as being tools for multi-agency cooperation between PPDR agencies? The results show that ‘trust’ could be seen as the main issue with regard to multi-agency cooperation. Cyber security should be seen as a key enabler for the development and maintenance of trust in the digital world. It is important to complement the currently dominating ‘cyber security as a barrier’ perspective by emphasizing the role of ‘cyber security as an enabler’ of new interactions and services - and recognizing that trust is a positive driver for growth. Safety and security issues are increasingly dependent on unpredictable cyber risks. Everywhere present computing means that PPDR agencies do not know when they are using dependable devices or services and there are chain reactions of unpredictable risks. If cyber security risks are not made ready, PPDR agencies will face severe disasters over time. Investing in systems that improve confidence and trust can significantly reduce costs and improve the speed of interaction. From this perspective, cyber security should be seen as a key enabler for the development and maintenance of trust in the digital world.