The Estonian cyberspace can be defended if the state and society as a whole participate in the defence, the necessary experts have been trained, and society is aware of the dangers of the virtual world and knows how to avoid them and acts correctly if problems occur. Estonian cyber security is based on close and trust-based cooperation between the public and private sectors, in which the involvement of volunteers and civil society also plays an important role. Cyber security starts from the cyber safety of each institution. It is important to raise people’s awareness about safety measures that can be used to avoid cyber risks. Improving the awareness of users and introducing the norms of safe cyber behaviour must be a constant endeavour, the results of which must be continuously evaluated. Estonia will continue to develop cyber defence. Estonia monitors its cyberspace and controls the application of information safety requirements in the information systems of the government and vital service providers. In this way, the state ensures that the situation in the cyberspace conforms to current standards and threat levels, while training service providers and providing advice to them. Estonia must prepare for a situation in which there is reason to doubt the integrity of information and where it must be able to cope with this situation’s impact on the functioning of digital services and users’ trust in them. Estonia will develop digital services and cyber security primarily by investing in them, providing a role model for the private sector. In the case of new digital services and innovative projects, the accompanying risks and options for their neutralisation will be always evaluated. In addition to creating new projects, contributions must be made to modernising information systems already in place, and updates must be carried out to improve security. In parallel, the use of encrypted networks developed for the transmission of classified information must be expanded. The Estonian cyberspace is part of the safe and stable global cyberspace. Cyber security is founded on constant and close international cooperation. Cooperating and communicating with allies and partners in the field of cyber security, contributing to the work of international organisations—primarily the European Union and NATO—and participating in global cybersecurity forums is an integral part of international relations. Analysing international law that supports cyber security and applying it in the Estonian legal system, and developing cyber standards, have an important role. 3.7 Protection of People A secure and predictable living environment makes people feel safer, creates better conditions for the development of society and individuals, and improves the reliability of the state. This reduces the vulnerability of society and individuals, the peoples’ will to defend the country is stronger and they are happier to contribute to the country’s development. Factors that influence the living environment are: the state of the natural environment and public health; the level of emergency preparedness; the consistent, uninterrupted and steady availability of vital services, food and potable water; and the ability of society and people to cope on their own for a certain period, should these services be interrupted. The living environment is more secure with effective civil protection system. The aim of Estonian civil protection system is to protect people, the environment and property in the best possible manner in the emergencies, whether caused by human or natural contingences, crises or war. Civil protection system improves society’s ability to cope with crises of this nature and scope, which can be reasonably foreseen and for which preparations can be made. This yields the best results when society is aware of potential threats and knows how to neutralise them. 17