Cybersecurity and Digital Transformation in Legislative Institutions: Challenges and Solutions
About the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence. Written on September, 2021
Introduction
In the realm of legislative digital transformation, cybersecurity plays an increasingly critical role. The digitalisation of national legislative processes provides an array of advantages, but these benefits come with potentially grave cybersecurity risks. As digital solutions become embedded in legislative institutions, it is crucial to understand the threats that these entities face and how they can navigate the digital world securely.
Cybersecurity Threats to Legislative Institutions
National legislative institutions, both in their traditional and digitally-transformed states, are high-value targets for various actors, including state and non-state entities. They may become victims of cyber-attacks for a range of reasons, whether for ideological motives, political disruption, or monetary gain. Importantly, any disruption to the legislative process, such as a delay in a vote due to a cyber-attack, could have severe political and social implications. Furthermore, the repercussions of a cyber-attack on a political institution are arguably much higher than those on a private entity due to the potential societal impact.
Recommendations for Legislative Institutions
Legislative institutions should prioritise the development of a robust and proactive cybersecurity culture, emphasising the importance of basic cyber hygiene practices. Security personnel and all users should be well-informed and aware of potential threats, thereby reducing the likelihood of breaches due to user error. Institutions should adopt a human-focused approach to cybersecurity, ensuring that security measures are not seen as a burden but rather as a necessary and integrated part of everyday work. Effective IT policy design should make it easy for users to perform their tasks securely.
The Role of External Expertise: Case of NATO's Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence
Leveraging external resources such as the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCDCOE) can significantly bolster a legislative institution's cybersecurity strategies. The CCDCOE offers invaluable knowledge and expertise in the realm of cyber defence, providing resources, conducting research, and facilitating cooperation between NATO member states. Legislative institutions can benefit from such expertise, using it to guide their cybersecurity strategies and strengthen their digital transformation initiatives.
Data Centre Considerations
In the context of data management, legislative institutions may choose between on-premises data centres and outsourced solutions to cloud providers. Both options come with unique cybersecurity considerations. An overarching recommendation for both scenarios is to prepare for the worst-case scenario. Redundancy and resilience should be a priority, ensuring that critical data can still be accessed in the event of a cyber-attack or system failure.
When considering outsourced solutions, it's important to scrutinise the security protocols of potential suppliers carefully. Institutions should understand the nature of the cloud service they require and ensure that their selected provider has robust security procedures in place.
The Speed of Technological Innovation
The rapid pace of technological innovation presents an ongoing challenge for legislative institutions. Adapting to new technologies while maintaining a secure digital environment can be a delicate balancing act. This highlights the importance of a knowledgeable, up-to-date workforce that understands the importance of cybersecurity in their daily routines. For example, simple practices like not sharing passwords on paper can have a significant impact on an institution's overall cybersecurity.
The Human Element of Cybersecurity
In considering cybersecurity, the human element should always be central. The potential impacts of cyber incidents are ultimately human: disruption of essential services, compromise of sensitive information, and undermining of public trust in institutions. Thus, it's important to ensure that cybersecurity measures are in place that safeguard not only data but also the wellbeing of individuals who may be affected by breaches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, as legislative institutions continue their journey of digital transformation, they face an evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats. These challenges, however, can be met through a combination of informed decision-making, the development of a robust cybersecurity culture, and a human-centred approach to security. Institutions can also benefit from the expertise and resources of specialised organisations like the NATO CCDCOE. It is through these strategies that institutions can confidently navigate the digital realm, safeguarding their operations and the societies they serve.