Digital resilience starts at a local level. GAZ-SYSTEM enters into cooperative partnerships with local authorities
GAZ-SYSTEM applies the highest European standards with respect to the protection of critical infrastructure, with the use of state-of-the art technology and advanced security solutions. In the face of a rising number of hybrid threats, cyber-security is becoming of crucial importance – both at national and local levels. Consequently, the Company is striving to cooperate with local authorities in the regions where strategic transmission infrastructure is located. The first partnership in this respect was signed with municipal authorities of Suwałki, a town located in the region of particular importance for the state’s energy security and geostrategic interests.
– This initiative reflects a sense of responsibility and a partnership-based approach to building digital resilience. The experience of local government combined with the expertise of the critical infrastructure operator contributes to the strengthening of residents’ and the country’s key systems security. In the face of growing cyber- and geopolitical challenges, such a partnership constitutes an important pillar supporting energy security, critical infrastructure protection, and country’s digital resilience, particularly at such a strategic location as the Suwałki Gap, said Dariusz Bogdan, Member of GAZ-SYSTEM Management Board.
The cooperation partnership provides for the exchange of experience and best practices in responding to cyber-security incidents as well as information on threats identified within critical infrastructure. GAZ-SYSTEM will also support the development of cyber resilience in ICT systems used by local authorities, as well as raise awareness and enhance the skills of administrative staff and municipal institutions by organising training courses, workshops and exercises including actual threats simulations.– Suwałki’s geostrategic location and proximity to European energy infrastructure require non-standard and professional measures to be applied. For the local authorities in Suwałki, the partnership with GAZ-SYSTEM constitutes tangible progress towards building the resilience of local ICT systems. The safety of residents and the continuity of key municipal services now depend on effective protection against hybrid threats. We are the first municipality in Poland to implement this model of cooperation, demonstrating that cyber-security resilience requires involvement starting at a local level, said Czesław Renkiewicz, Mayor of Suwałki.
The agreement concluded with local authorities in Suwałki is the first step towards establishing a model of cooperation between the operator of critical infrastructure and local government. Similar initiatives will also be undertaken in collaboration with other local government bodies in the regions where strategic transmission infrastructure is located.
The Suwałki Gap – the key to the region’s security
The Suwałki Gap is of pivotal geostrategic importance as the only land corridor between the Baltic States and other NATO and the EU Member States, making it one of the most important security points along Europe’s eastern flank. In addition, this territory is also crossed by strategic energy infrastructure, including the GIPL (Poland–Lithuania) gas pipeline, which has integrated the Baltic states’ gas markets with the European transmission system. Consequently, the Suwałki region serves not only as a transport and military corridor, but also as a vital energy security hub of national and European significance.GAZ-SYSTEM’s cyber-security initiatives
GAZ-SYSTEM has specialised organisational structures in place in charge of cyber-security, including CERT (Computer Emergency Response Team) operational unit.Together with Polska Spółka Gazownictwa and Gas Storage Poland, GAZ-SYSTEM has co-founded the Information Sharing and Analysis Centre dedicated to the gas sector (ISAC GAZ PL) to facilitate mutual exchange of information on cyber threats. The company has also signed a cooperation agreement with the Cyber Defence Forces.
GAZ-SYSTEM collaborates with institutions forming the national cyber–security system. An important aspect of this cooperation involves countering disinformation (e.g. regarding projects such as the Baltic Pipe or the FSRU) as part of hybrid threats to energy security. These efforts have resulted in the educational campaign ‘Resist disinformation – stick to the facts’.
