Aaviksoo: exchanging experience is the key in averting cyber attacks
04.11.2010 | Jaak Aaviksoo | English news
Defence Minister Jaak Aaviksoo opened today in Westminster conference centre in London the high-level round table Cityforum on cyber security, aiming to give key personnel of public and private organisations an overview on global trends on cyber defence.
The round table focused on cyber risk management in a changed security environment and on sharing best global practices and solutions.
In his opening speech, Defence Minister Aaviksoo introduced Estonia's experience on averting cyber attacks in Spring 2007. „Two weeks after becoming the Defence Minister I had a personal experience working in my office in the Ministry of Defence when, in addition to a political provocation, the national security of Estonia was jeopardised by cyber attacks," explained Aaviksoo.
According to Aaviksoo, Estonia is widely using the newest technology: 98% of Estonia's bank transactions take place in the internet, the medical system uses digital databases and digital prescriptions, e-elections are held. „But due to wide use of electronical means, we are also vulnerable. However, the main risk in cyber battles is not technological, but a matter of strategic management. It is a question of how well we are prepared to react to attacks and how well the subsequent decision making processes are set in motion," said the Defence Minister.
According to Aaviksoo, due to prior lessons there is now a Cyber Defence League formed of private and public sector's top IT specialists and the league is engaged in prevention work, training and also in informing people of cyber threats. „The aim of the Cyber Defence League is to always be ready and to ensure that information reaches every computer user. NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Center of Excellence, located in Tallinn, deals with external and security cooperation. Namely international cooperation and exchanging information and experiences with partners is the key in averting cyber threats in a global information space," said Defence Minister Aaviksoo.
Defence Minister also gave a speech on cyber defence to the students of Royal College of Defence Studies in London this afternoon.
Tomorrow morning Defence Minister Aaviksoo meets with his colleague Liam Fox and visits the Headly Court Rehabilitation Centre where also members of the Defence Forces of Estonia, wounded on missions, are treated.
Source: Ministry of Defence
