SECURITY ENVIRONMENT: STRATEGIC CONTEXT The Czech Republic finds itself in an increasingly complicated security environment that has been fundamentally transformed in recent years. A significant role is played by the critical dependence of the state and all of society on modern technologies and cyberspace. Today, cyber threats have reached an unprecedented level, closely following the development of digital society. Some traditional security threats have migrated into the digital space, creating even more risks specific to this environment. Various threats have also been compounded, hybridizing the security environment as the dynamics and reach are expanded by cyberspace and modern technologies. All these threats have a common element: they are all so complex that they test the public’s trust in the state and its institutions, and in extreme cases can upset the stability of societies and the democratic foundations of nation states. The chief prerequisite for introducing and implementing effective cyber security measures is the ability of the state and the security services to understand how threats dynamically develop. Providing cyber security today goes well beyond mere technology, demanding a comprehensive approach. However, it is necessary to consider specific political, economic, social, cultural, and other aspects and interests when addressing cyber threats. Diplomatic, legal, educational, and other non-technical measures are necessary tools for fighting cyber threats and building a resilient information society. The use of cyberspace to promote a country’s foreign policy interests has intensified. The Czech Republic and its institutions have been cyber espionage targets for many years. Information acquired in such attacks can give the aggressor advantages in diplomacy, weaken the Czech Republic’s negotiating position, and threaten its strategic interests. States do not just target public entities; there is growing interest in private entities such as small and medium-sized enterprises that have unique knowledge, as well as academia and research institutions. The increased risk of industrial espionage in business, academia, and research is tied to the development of Czech industry, and these impacts can significantly weaken our ability to compete. State and non-state (often supported or Operational Domains tolerated by the state) entities have undertaken Cyberspace was recognized as an malicious targeted offensive cyber operations. operational domain along with the Cyberspace is a relatively new operational ground, naval, and air domains at the 2016 NATO Summit in Warsaw. domain, and it is not surprising that military Space was acknowledged as another budgets for cyber activity are increasing across domain in London in 2019. NATO member states and around the world. The growing importance of military operations in cyberspace has been objectively recognized, and an intensification of development in this area has been seen. As technology advances, non-state entities have increased their activities, while the commercialization of cyberspace means sophisticated cyber and kinetic operations do not only target the most advanced states. Less developed ones can participate and 5