Defence Ministers approve Cyber Defence Concept and take next step in defence reform
On 10 March in Brussels, NATO Defence Ministers approved a new Cyber Defence Concept that will pave the way for the Alliance to step up its defences against growing cyber threats. The new Cyber Defence Concept defines the protection of NATO’s own networks as the Alliance’s fundamental cyber defence responsibility.
It also highlights the importance of cooperating with partners and other international organisations on cyber defence and the necessity to integrate cyber threats into NATO’s defence planning. Ministers of Defence are expected to approve a renewed NATO Cyber Defence Policy and a Cyber Defence Action at their next meeting in June.
During the meeting, Defence Ministers discussed progress in a range of measures decided at the Summit in Lisbon to make the Alliance more effective and efficient in meeting new security threats. They agreed that work on the necessary consultation, command and control arrangements for a NATO-based missile defence system is well on track. They also provided political guidance for the military implementation of the Strategic Concept, including for the further development of essential capabilities. Finally, Ministers reviewed ongoing work on the military Command Structure, Headquarters and NATO Agencies reform.