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  • 16-02-2021 12:57

EU/Presidency: Government to invest €130M from recover plan in cybersecurity


Brussels, Feb. 16, 2021 (Lusa) - Portugal's Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) for accessing post-crisis EU funds provides for at least €130 million for cybersecurity, with the government aiming to ensure the protection of critical infrastructures.

"Given the increased use of digital means in public services, in business and in society in general, which was significantly accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic, we need to strengthen the national cybersecurity framework and data security" the RRP, put out to public consultation on Tuesday, said.

The document provides for an investment of €83 million in "efficient, secure and shared critical digital infrastructures", funds that, according to the government, are intended for "information systems and processes associated with border management and control, police and judicial cooperation and asylum, allowing for a reduction in the bureaucratic burden of the Foreigners and Borders Service".

This amount also aims to "improve the coverage and capacity" of the National Emergency and Security Network (SIRESP) in mainland Portugal and the Azores and Madeira's autonomous regions.

"Eliminating redundancy in the bureaucratic, technical processes of the Security Forces and Services" is another focus of these funds, which covers "common systems in volatile contexts that allow police officers to be made available for operational functions".

Furthermore, the goal is to make the government's IT network "more resilient and more digital".

Also in the field of cybersecurity, €47 million is to be allocated to "strengthening the general cybersecurity framework based on trust for the adoption of electronic services".

This includes the creation of a National Certification System in Cybersecurity, as provided for by EU standards.

ANE/ADB // ADB.

Lusa