EU will answer with sanctions on cyberattacks

Council of Europe developed jurisdiction mechanism on implementation of sanctions for cyberattacks.

This is said in message that is spread on Friday, May 17.

In EU are concerned about grows of malicious behavior in cyberspace that targets undermining integrity, security and economic competitiveness of the EU with the potential risk of conflict.

«The Council established a framework which allows the EU to impose targeted restrictive measures to deter and respond to cyber-attacks which constitute an external threat to the EU or its member states, including cyber-attacks against third States or international organisations where restricted measures are considered necessary to achieve the objectives of the Common Foreign and Security Policy», – noted in the message.

In particular, document allows EU impose sanctions against private persons and organizations that carry responsibility for cyberattacks, finance them or support with equipment, and also those, who is involved in these cyberattacks in a different way.

Under new sanction regime get attacks that:

• originate or are carried out from outside the EU or
• use infrastructure outside the EU or
• are carried out by persons or entities established or operating outside the EU or
• are carried out with the support of person or entities operating outside the EU.

Regime also spreads on attempts of cyberattacks that could potentially cause significant harm.

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Restrictive measures include prohibition of a ban on entry into the territory of the European Union, freezing of assets of individuals and legal entities, as well as a ban on citizens or companies from the EU to finance organizations.

“The EU recognises that cyberspace offers significant opportunities, but also presents continuously evolving challenges”, — says the document.

However, EU is still committed to preservation of open, stable and safe cyberspace and confirms its commitment to settlement of international disputes in cyberspace by peaceful means.

Source: https://www.consilium.europa.eu