[Infowarrior] - EU signs up new cyber-security boss

[Richard Forno]

EU signs up new cyber-security boss
Udo Helmbrecht wants more co-operation between States and businesses
By Ian Williams
Friday, 16 October 2009, 15:49
http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/1558893/eu-signs-cyber-security-boss

THE EUROPEAN UNION has appointed Dr Udo Helmbrecht as the executive  
director of the European Network and Information Security Agency  
(ENISA).

Helmbrecht was born in Germany in 1955 and since 2003 has been  
president of the Federal Office for Information Security in Bonn.

"I am very pleased, privileged and humbled to have gained the  
Management Board's trust to become the Executive Director of ENISA. I  
proudly and readily assume this position, working for Europe," he said.

Helmbrecht wants to help the EU cyber-security outfit work more  
closely with other related European institutions and Member States to  
enhance electronic security throughout the region.

He also wants to ensure that ENISA lives beyond its current 2012  
'sunset clause' by creating a permanent mandate for the organisation.

"The clear and permanent mandate is necessary to manage the  
increasing, fundamental role of security for economic and financial  
matters; for business and consumers alike," he said.

"Ultimately, the economy of Europe is at stake if we do not manage  
security matters properly and adequately. At the same time, we should  
promote the benefits of security to the citizens, so they gain trust  
in the advantages of information and communication technology to  
safely enjoy life in cyber space."

Helmbrecht did not go into any specific details around hot topics such  
as electronic border surveillance and monitoring or cyber-warfare, but  
he called for "more cooperation and dialogue with all security  
stakeholders."

He concluded by stressing that ENISA should be a trusted, independent  
body able to dispense "expert advice in security matters" and a key  
part of the European Parliament's security decision making process.

"The Agency's advice should have a lasting impact on the laws and  
regulation of the Commission and the Member States," he said.