MEPs widen scope of proposed European network and information security agency
On 7 October, MEPs approved a number of amendments to a proposal on the establishment of a European network and information security agency, including a recommendation regarding tendering for research. With a budget of over 24 million euro and for a limited period - 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2008 - the agency is intended to help the Commission and the Member States meet information security requirements laid out in Community legislation, and to respond effectively to network and information security problems such as computer crashes, IT network failures, viruses and unauthorised interception of communications. Of the amendments made in the first reading of the report by Finnish MEP Reino Paasilinna, several focus on the tasks of the new agency. In addition to collecting appropriate information to analyse current and emerging risks and facilitating cooperation between actors operating in the field of network and information security, the amended proposal also states that the agency should invite tenders for research in the area of network and information security. Furthermore, the amended proposal also stipulates that security solutions should be accessible to all, particularly to small and medium sized companies. In terms of the composition of the advisory board and the initial evaluation of the agency's work, MEPs noted that an advisory board of nine experts should include representatives from industry, consumer associations and the science and research sector in the area of network and information security, and that where established, ad hoc working groups should address technical and scientific matters.