Cybersecurity: Law on the Way

The Ministry of the Interior has initiated a legislative proposal for increased cybersecurity. The Network and Information Security Act aims to create uniform and binding regulations to ensure high security standards. Among other things, the establishment of a cybersecurity authority within the Ministry of the Interior is planned.

Law Needs Opposition

This authority is intended to serve as a central contact point for all cybersecurity matters. Existing expertise is also to be consolidated in a national cybersecurity coordination center. The amendment is directed at authorities, but also at companies and institutions that are part of the critical infrastructure, such as energy suppliers and the food trade.

Since the law was introduced in this plenary week of the National Council, it could be approved by parliament as early as December. However, a two-thirds majority is required for this, as it contains constitutional provisions.

What ÖVP, SPÖ and NEOS Say

Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) stated in a written statement that it is primarily about consultation and prevention. Austria must become more resilient against cyber threats. State Secretary Jörg Leichtfried (SPÖ) recognized the amendment, which follows an EU directive, as an important step towards a robust security network. From the NEOS side, Secretary General Douglas Hoyos mentioned that the new cybersecurity authority also addresses the rapidly growing dangers from Russian attacks and sabotage.

Of course, they have taken their time with the amendment. Austria should have implemented the corresponding EU directive by October 2024. However, a legislative proposal did not achieve the necessary two-thirds majority in parliament.

Voices from the Greens and the Chamber of Commerce

This time it should work, expressed the Green MP Süleyman Zorba positively. The present draft hardly differs at first glance from the one already developed in 2024 during the black-green government period. Nevertheless, the Greens want to examine it more closely at first and regret not being involved.

The Chamber of Commerce expressed a positive view. The Information and Consulting division saw in a release a necessary and important step for more cybersecurity and digital sovereignty in Europe.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.