Introduction A task force to address strategy on cyber security in Iceland was appointed by the Ministry of the Interior in June 2013. Its main task is to formulate government strategy on cyber security and the protection of IT infrastructure elements that are relevant to national security, i.e. the IT systems of key institutions in Icelandic society. Most of these systems are in turn linked to other IT systems in one way or another via the Internet. Demarcation of the strategy The strategy is intended to address the protection of important elements of the infrastructure in Iceland and the responses called for in view of the growing cyber-threats which pose a hazard to the government, the economy and the ordinary citizen. The Internet has already become an integral part of the daily life of almost all people in Iceland and will continue to do so to an ever-greater degree. In this environment, security is of paramount importance; hence, the strategy covers all use of the Internet and Information Technology. The social aims of the strategy are as follows: • To enhance the security of individuals and groups in society by increasing cyber security. • To promote the integrated functioning of important elements of the infrastructure of society by increasing the resilience of cyber systems to cope with hazards. • To establish closer collaboration and coordination on cyber security between Icelandic and international authorities. Efficient collaboration must be established between Icelandic and international authorities, with a demarcation of the division of responsibilities and tasks between them in the field of cyber security. In drawing up the strategy, attention was given to various other strategies in this field, both in Iceland and in the other Nordic countries and also those of international organisations of which Iceland is a member. The task force consists of: Sigurður Emil Pálsson, a specialist at the Ministry of the Interior (Chairman); Guðbjörg Sigurðardóttir, Head of Department in charge of the Information Society Project at the Ministry of the Interior; Páll Heiðar Halldórsson and Ottó V. Winther, specialists at the Ministry of the Interior, Jón F. Bjartmarz, Detective Chief Superintendent and Ágúst Finnsson (from January 2014), specialist, at the Office of the National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police, Hrafnkell V. Gíslason, Director of the Post and Telecom Administration, Stefán Snorri Stefánsson, Head of the National CERT - CERT-ÍS at the Post and Telecom Administration, Jónas Haraldsson, specialist at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Þorsteinn Arnalds (from May 2014), specialist at the Data Protection Authority (Persónuvernd). The task force focused on reviewing the general foundations and recommendations on which strategies in this area have been based. The strategies of some of the other Nordic countries were examined and discussions were held with domestic and foreign parties, consultants and government officials on various aspects of information security. The task force also discussed the threats and opportunities that have been defined and the experience gained from the plans of action already been put into practice in other Nordic countries. A well-attended consultative meeting with stakeholders was held on 2 June 2014. Those present included about 80 representatives of some 60 institutions and enterprises. Another similar meeting, 4

Select target paragraph3