Cyber threats and attacks are becoming more common, sophisticated and damaging. The Alliance is faced with an evolving complex threat environment. State and non-state actors can use cyber attacks in the context of military operations. In recent events, cyber attacks have been part of hybrid warfare. NATO and its Allies rely on strong and resilient cyber defences to fulfil the Alliance’s core tasks of collective defence, crisis management and cooperative security. NATO needs to be prepared to defend its networks and operations against the growing sophistication of the cyber threats and attacks it faces.

Cyber Defence Pledge: PDF Download

Highlights

  • Cyber defence is part of NATO’s core task of collective defence.
  • NATO has affirmed that international law applies in cyberspace.
  • NATO is responsible for the protection of its own networks.
  • In July 2016, Allies reaffirmed NATO’s defensive mandate and recognised cyberspace as a domain of operations in which NATO must defend itself as effectively as it does in the air, on land and at sea.
  • Allies are and remain responsible for the protection of their national networks, which need to be compatible with NATO’s and with each other’s.
  • NATO enhances its capabilities for cyber education, training and exercises.
  • Allies are committed to enhancing information-sharing and mutual assistance in preventing, mitigating and recovering from cyber attacks.
  • NATO signed a Technical Arrangement on cyber defence cooperation with the European Union in February 2016.
  • NATO is intensifying its cooperation with industry, via the NATO Industry Cyber Partnership.