Cybersecurity in the Chamber of Deputies of Chile: Strategies and Implementations
About the Chamber of Deputies of Chile | Written on January, 2024
Introduction
The Chamber of Deputies of Chile has embarked on a significant journey towards digitising its operations, highlighting the pivotal role of cybersecurity in safeguarding the legislative process. This transition to digital platforms necessitates a robust cybersecurity framework to protect against both external and internal threats. The approach adopted by the Chamber encompasses a comprehensive strategy that includes defining cybersecurity, identifying risks, implementing technological solutions, and emphasising education and policy development.
Cybersecurity Definition and Necessity
Cybersecurity within the Chamber is fundamentally about protecting computing resources and information from cyber risk. This includes ensuring the integrity of data and systems against external attacks as well as errors caused by software or hardware. The necessity for cybersecurity is driven by the need to protect the integrity, confidentiality, and continuity of the legislative process, which has become increasingly reliant on digital technologies.
Risk Identification
The Chamber's approach to identifying cybersecurity risks involves a categorization into external and internal threats. External threats include malicious attacks and natural disasters, particularly relevant given Chile's seismic activity. Internal threats encompass errors in hardware and software as well as insider threats, such as unauthorised access or document leakage. This classification highlights the diverse nature of risks facing the Chamber, necessitating a broad and inclusive cybersecurity strategy.
Cybersecurity Strategy Components
The Chamber's cybersecurity strategy is built on three primary components: technological implementations, policy and documentation, and education.
Technological Implementations: The deployment of advanced technologies such as firewalls, anti-spam servers, and Network Access Control (NAC) systems forms the first line of defence against cyber threats. These tools are critical in preventing malware, phishing, and brute force attacks, as evidenced by the substantial number of attacks thwarted monthly.
Policy and Documentation: The development of cybersecurity policies is foundational, guiding both the technological implementations and educational efforts. These policies, informed by international standards like ISO 27000, are iteratively developed to align with the Chamber's specific needs and challenges.
Education: Education is identified as the apex of the cybersecurity strategy, underscoring the importance of human factors in cybersecurity. Continuous formal training equips the Chamber's personnel with the knowledge to identify and mitigate potential cyber threats, reinforcing the technical safeguards established through policy and technology.
Technological Solutions in Detail
The Chamber's investment in cybersecurity infrastructure includes the implementation of a comprehensive firewall system, anti-spam servers, and the introduction of NAC. These systems have proven effective in filtering harmful traffic and emails, thereby preventing unauthorised access and potential data breaches. The statistical data provided, illustrating the volume of attacks intercepted, underscores the effectiveness of these technologies in protecting the Chamber's digital environment.
Conclusion
The Chamber of Deputies of Chile's approach to cybersecurity exemplifies a holistic strategy that integrates technology, policy, and education. By identifying and categorising risks, implementing robust technological solutions, developing clear policies, and prioritising education, the Chamber addresses the multifaceted nature of cybersecurity. This comprehensive strategy ensures the integrity, confidentiality, and continuity of the Chamber's operations, setting a precedent for legislative bodies worldwide in the digital era.