The understanding of capabilities and vulnerabilities in the cyber realm is essential asset for the future of NATO, said General Philip M Breedlove in Tallinn, Estonia today. The NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe was in town for a working meeting at the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence.
“I am completely impressed with my visit to Estonia and the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence today. As for the staff, their level of understanding of capabilities and vulnerabilities in the cyber realm is clearly an asset that will be an important part for the future of NATO,” said General Breedlove. “What Estonia has brought to NATO in the form of its cyber warfare range allowing units to train at a very high level is incredible,” he added in praise of the Estonian Defence Forces capability.
“While conventional capabilities and methods are as important as ever, cyber attacks against information systems and infrastructure are a part of hybrid warfare. Therefore cyber defence is becoming increasingly important our military arsenal,” said Major Genral Riho Terras, Chief of Defence of the Estonian Defence Forces. “I am glad that Estonia and other equally innovative partners have come together to contribute to the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence,” he added.
“Given the cross-border nature of cyber threats, effective response often calls for international cooperation. This visit, as well as integration of cyber themes into NATO exercises testifies to our readiness to tackle different threats,” said Colonel Artur Suzik, director of the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence. “The Centre supports NATO and our sponsoring nations through exercises and trainings as well as applied research in the field of cyber security, be it in the technical, legal, policy or strategy domain,” he added.
The Tallinn-based NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence is a NATO-accredited multinational organisation dealing with research and development, education, consultation and lessons learned in the field of cyber security. The Centre’s mission is to enhance capability, cooperation and information sharing among NATO, Allies and Partners in cyber defence.
Pictures of the event are available online at http://pildid.mil.ee/NATO-Euroopa-v-gede-lemjuhataja-kindral-Philip-Breedlove-Eesti-visiit-19-11-2014 (Photo credit: Estonian Defence Forces)