1. Introduction T he modernization of society through information and communication technologies, its digitalization and the development of innovative services is an undeniable fact that has become a natural part of our lives. Nevertheless, the development that comes with expansion of opportunities must be balanced by responsibility for the risks that emerge simultaneously as a forfeit for the benefits of the digital society. Cybersecurity is a state in which information systems and services are resilient to current threats and vulnerabilities, and ready to detect and handle cybersecurity incidents, recover data and processes, and minimize consequences. Nonetheless, cybersecurity is not an issue concerning only particular organizations and entities that protect their assets by taking appropriate measures. Informatization of the public sector, automation of manufacturing and other processes that were performed manually in the past, constant development and easy availability of technologies, their ease of use in a wide range of common activities create a space in which, apart from undeniable advantages, threats arise, targeting critical and sensitive systems and services of the state. They can result in a breach of citizen‘s trust in the government, cause extensive financial and economic damages, and potentially cause injuries or a loss of life. The information and cybersecurity governance system, the goal of which is to ensure a high degree of resilience of systems and services as well as effective detection and response capabilities, is a strategic security interest of the Slovak Republic. A comprehensive concept of information and cybersecurity governance, strategic direction based on clear principles and exactly defined strategic objectives are the basis for a well-developed system that can flexibly respond to current threats and ensure a high level of cybersecurity at national level. This is the concept of the National Cybersecurity Strategy for the years 2021 - 2025. The history shows that the National Cybersecurity Strategy for the years 2021-2025 (hereinafter referred to as the „National Strategy“) is not the first strategic document created at the national level. In 2007, a strategy of information security was created together with an action plan, and subsequently the Cyber Security Concept of the Slovak Republic for 20152020 (hereinafter referred to as the „Concept“) was introduced, which was the first comprehensive plan defining the cybersecurity principles, rules and objectives. The measures framing the Concept focused on creating an institutional framework for governance, adopting appropriate legislation, developing basic mechanisms for cyberspace governance, developing an education system, creating a risk management culture, active international collaboration and supporting science and research. Along with the Concept, the Action Plan for the Implementation of the Cyber Security Concept of the Slovak Republic for 2015-2020 (hereinafter referred to as the „Action Plan“) was created, defining specific tasks related to individual measures, entities in charge and responsibilities of participating bodies, as well as the time frame for the task completion. Within the time period defined for the Concept and the Action Plan, it was possible to create a stable institutional framework for cybersecurity governance, adopt a historically first comprehensive legislation in the field of cybersecurity and to create specialized entities for cybersecurity incident handling. Cyber threats as well as cybersecurity are constantly evolving. New targets and vectors of cyberattacks are constantly emerging, and are becoming more widespread, more frequent and more sophisticated. Some states and non-state actors resort more and more to pursuing their goals through unfair cyber activities. These can take several forms, including critical infrastructure attacks, cyber espionage, intellectual property theft, cybercrime, and cyberattacks as part of hybrid threats. Cyberspace is increasingly becoming an area of strategic confrontation among states, reflecting a dynamic geopolitical environment and efforts to change the current international order. Technological innovations, including cybersecurity innovations, are becoming an instrument of confrontation and growing tensions in the political, economic and security fields. The good news is that the strategic direction of the cybersecurity system can build upon the solid foundations laid by the Concept and developed by its Action Plan, even though some of the goals have not yet been achieved. The new strategy expands on the previously carried out activities and its ambition is to respond in a modern way to current and future security threats, define the principles of the cybersecurity system and to determine strategic objectives, the achievement of which will ensure a higher level of security in the cyberspace of the Slovak Republic. The National Strategy is intended for all entities that participate in building the cybersecurity system of the Slovak Republic and is a key document from which the basic direction of the Slovak Republic in this area comes from. The vision of the National Strategy is to strengthen and create an open, free and secure cyberspace for everybody. The National Cybersecurity Strategy 2021 -2025 | 5