THE CYBER SECURITY SYSTEM IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC
The structure of the cyber security system in the Czech Republic is complex. A
significant number of bodies participate, each having its own role and contributing
to cyber security in different ways depending on their powers and activities.
As the supreme embodiment of executive power, the government of the Czech
Republic is responsible for ensuring national security and for the administration and
operation of the entire Czech security system.
The National Cyber and Information
Act No 181/2014, on cyber security and
Security Agency (hereinafter “NÚKIB”) is the
changes to related laws (the Cyber
cyber security administrator and the central
Security Act), as amended, is the first
comprehensive
Czech
law
ever
administrative body for cyber security,
covering cyber security. It primarily
including the protection of classified
establishes obligations to ensure the
information
in
information
and
security of cyber and informational
infrastructure for selected public and
communication systems as well as
private
entities
and
individuals
cryptographic protection. Its powers are
(mandated bodies and individuals). It
determined by Act No 181/2014, on cyber
also establishes NÚKIB’s authority in
coordinating and overseeing the
security (hereinafter the “Cyber Security Act”),
provision of cyber security in the Czech
and legislation on the protection of classified
Republic.
information and security qualifications. It is
also responsible for non-public services in relation to the Galileo satellite system. Of
its broad range of activities, the central one is to ensure cyber security by protecting
critical information infrastructure and other important communication systems and
networks. The government CERT (hereinafter “GovCERT.CZ”) was created to this end
by the Czech government, while other NÚKIB parts provide mandated entities with
various services. NÚKIB oversees international cyber security cooperation while also
serving as the national contact point for coordinating research, while significantly
contributing to cyber security education efforts.
The national CERT works in close cooperation with GovCERT.CZ, and its powers
are determined by the Cyber Security Act and a public contract signed with NÚKIB.
The national CERT – under the name CSIRT.CZ – has been operated by the CZ.NIC
association since 2011.
Foreign policy and relations between the Czech Republic and other states and
international organizations are coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the
Czech Republic (hereinafter the “Ministry of Foreign Affairs”), which cooperates with
NÚKIB and other state bodies in cyber security.
Intelligence services also contribute to the cyber security system. The Security
Information Service is active in cyber security, as is Military Intelligence, and the Office
for Foreign Relations and Information, which procure, process, and analyse
information important for cyber security and hence national security in the Czech
Republic.
7