European Cyber Security Organisation

The European Cyber Security Organisation (ECSO) is a self-financed non-profit organisation whose main objective is to support initiatives or projects that aim to develop, promote, and encourage European cybersecurity. 

ECSO members include large companies, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), start-ups, research centres, universities, end-users, operators, clusters, associations, as well as local, regional and national administrations from EU member states, countries part of the European Economic Area and the European Free Trade Association, and Horizon2020 associated countries.

In achieving its objectives, the organisation works to: foster and protect from cyber-threats the European Digital Single market; develop the cybersecurity market in Europe and the growth of a competitive cybersecurity ICT industry; and develop and implement cybersecurity solutions for the critical steps of trusted supply chains.

ECSO collaborates with the European Commission and national public administrations to promote research and innovation in cybersecurity. It also proposes a Strategic Reserch and Innovation Agenda and a Multiannual Roadmap. In addition, the organisation promotes and assists in the definition and implementation of a European cybersecurity industrial policy to encourage the use of cybersecurity solutions as well as secure and trustworthy ICT solutions to increase digital autonomy, and supports the development and the interests of the entire cybersecurity and ICT security ecosystem.

ECSO focuses its activities on the following areas: ICT infrastructure; smart grid, smart buildings, and smart cities; transportation; public administration and open government; healthcare; finance and insurance. Such activities are carried in the framework of several working groups, dealing with: standardisation, certification, labelling, and supply chain management; market deployment and investments; sectoral demand; support SME, coordination with countries and regions; education, training, awareness, exercises; and Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda. 

In July 2016, ECSO signed a cybersecurity contractual Public-Private Partnership (cPPP) with the European Commission, in the context of the EU cybersecurity strategy. The partnership is aimed at fostering cooperation between public and private sector in cybersecurity research and innovation, as well as stimulating the cybersecurity industry.