Alliander, DNV KEMA and KPN, together with TNO and Radboud University, are setting up a new European cyber security knowledge centre, the European Network for Cyber Security (ENCS).

They announced this today at the Metering, Billing/Transmission and Distribution SmartGrids Europe 2012 Conference in Amsterdam. ENCS will engage in research, testing, knowledge sharing and training in the field of cyber security for critical infrastructure such as energy, water and telecom networks with the objective of helping infrastructure owners to improve their protection against cyber crime.

In view of the cross-border nature of cyber crime, ENCS is seeking to involve as many parties as possible in this mission. Protection against cybercrimeENCS will make a contribution towards the optimal protection of European critical infrastructure against cyber crime.

Critical infrastructure is becoming steadily more reliant on ICT and is thus increasingly vulnerable to cyber crime such as hacking. There is a growing need for new cyber security solutions and methods to protect these networks against such threats.

ENCS is responding to this need by creating knowledge and resources as well as facilitating cooperation between - as yet mainly - European players in energy distribution, telecom, consultancy and public services with a view to the realisation of user-oriented solutions. ENCS provides four integrated services: Research and Development, Cyber Testing, Training and Information and Knowledge Sharing.

In carrying out its activities, ENCS will also make use of the knowledge and expertise of affiliated organisations such as other specialised knowledge institutes, universities and industrial parties. The primary focus of ENCS will be on a research and development programme aimed at the needs of critical infrastructure managers and security officials who are responsible for protecting critical infrastructure.

In addition, ENCS will also seek to promote knowledge sharing between the affiliated members. ENCS offers a test facility for the extensive testing of systems designed to protect infrastructure and systems against cyber crime. Finally, ENCS will organise training programmes to enhance cyber security awareness among critical infrastructure owners and policymakers, as well as to provide more insight into realistic scenarios and develop new cyber security concepts.