strategy.1 A cyberspace, whose protection is ensured by the NSA and which also covers classified information and other facts to be specified by a binding regulation (an EU/Commission directive, EU regulation, law, etc., and/or a government resolution), has specific characteristics. Information security is multilateral; i.e. it must take into account interests of ICT system owners, users’ needs, as well as rights of natural and legal persons whose data are processed by the systems. As far as users are concerned, the following factors are most important with respect to the processing of information: purpose and content of information, accuracy, relevance, accessibility, authenticity, structure and quality of information. From the perspective of owners and operators, the most important element is a reliable access to on-line information resources and their protection against leakage, unauthorised use and violation of data integrity, as well as the authority and reputation of a system owner. ICT systems and data processed by such systems may be made dysfunctional due to a number of various factors. They, for example, include natural factors, technical failures, human errors and faults, malicious software, intentional attacks, computer crime, and international terrorism. The ICI is based on the Internet which enables mutual communication between information resources and information seekers, either in public or commercial sectors, or among individuals. The Internet has no owner; no rules and limits are in place to regulate the use of personal information and preclude its misuse by third parties. Serious security problems are also associated with other Internet-based services, such as e-mail, file transfers, etc. A failure to secure information may consequently result in irrecoverable losses and harm the credibility of an organisation or country. Given the fact that the state guarantees critical processes, its task is to take care of an overall level of competitiveness of society, thus preserving national welfare, including knowledge and information, therefore it cannot afford to have low security level criteria in place. The consequences may be devastating, particularly in some specific areas. The state is therefore obliged to ensure that information is protected against misuse, and minimise consequences where such misuse has occurred. 2.2 Information security from the perspective of EU and multinational organisations The approach to addressing security is driven by the need to resolve a problem which originated from scientific and technological development and has by now fully translated into a global social issue. Society seeks to resolve this problem and ensure both the protection of its valuable assets and individuals’ privacy. National governments, multinational bodies and organisations associating the world’s most advanced countries (UN, G8, OECD, ISO) have also come to realise the need of information security. Various institutions and institutional systems have been set up to ensure the protection of information (ENISA, HLIG, CERT, etc.), strategic objectives have been defined and elaborated on, and measures have been taken to meet the set objectives. the term digital space corresponds to the term “cyberspace” widened by standards, norms and legislation, for which, however, the literal Slovak translation kybernetický priestor is not suitable due to its narrower meaning 1 4