72 Development of innovation areas is also reflected in the National Industrial Policy Guidelines for 2014-2020 (approved by Cabinet Order No. 282 “On the National Industrial Policy Development Guidelines” adopted 28 June 2013), and will be included in Research, Technological Development and Innovation Guidelines 2014-2020 (in the development process). 5.7 Action Direction “Trust and Security” A secure and reliable electronic information space, which ensures the continuous provision and reception of services that are essential for the state and public, is a key component for the successful development of the information society. Illegal use, damage, paralysis or destruction of ICT may pose a threat to national and public security, public order and may negatively impact the national economy. With the help of ICT, it is possible to stop or intrude the operation of the state information systems and electronic communication networks, depress country’s political, economic, and military decision-making, to misinform the public, and cause technogenic disasters. Uncertainty created in electronic information space affects the reliability of ICT and correspondingly slows down and complicates the creation of modern and innovative society, as well as the economic growth and global competitiveness of Latvia. The trust in electronic environment is an important aspect of information society. One of the obstacles for the e-commerce development at the national level, but particularly at the crossborder level, is a lack of trust in electronic environment57. It is related to aspects of information security and consumer rights protection issues. In order to promote public trust in the electronic environment, not only the existing laws and regulations have been improved and new laws and regulations have been designed to strengthen the rule of law in electronic information space, but also ICT resources have been strengthened – environment, people and infrastructure, public awareness of ICT issues and international cooperation has been enhanced, as well as the development of capabilities to cope with crisis situations. Further actions are planned in the following fields: * ICT security; * human security; * trust in the electronic environment. 5.7.1 ICT Security With the increase of population activities in the electronic information space, security challenges in this environment are increasing. Problems such as incomplete legislative framework, electronic communications security requirements for merchants and their implementation, limited material and technical means and human resource in CERT.LV and the State Police, shortage of ICT experts in state and local government institutions as well as public awareness and low research contribute to increased safety risks in the electronic environment. 57 http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/e-commerce/docs/communication2012/SEC2011_1640_en.pdf; http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-08-426_en.htm information_society_development_guidelines_2014_2020.docx; Information Society Development Guidelines 2014-2020