Cybersecurity and digital transformation of critical infrastructures

Social security has high priority in European research funding today. In the development of FP9, social security appears to be at least equally central. As a consequence of digitalisation, ICT has become the infrastructure's infrastructure, in the sense that ICT is both a separate infrastructure and interwoven in all other critical infrastructures. The distinction between social security and ICT security is being wiped out, ICT security is an integral part of the work on social security and safety. This brings the need for ICT skills into the core of work on social security. The water and wastewater distribution system is a critical infrastructure. The water sector is under a fast-digital transformation, aiming at increasing the efficiency and quality of water services. The intelligent linking of data from different sources, creates new opportunities for more efficient use of water, early detection of system malfunction, better use of energy and avoidance of unnecessary water losses. However, the water infrastructure can be endangered, disrupted or destroyed by events related to physical and cyber threats including deliberate attacks with fatal consequences to society. The STOP-IT H2020 project has already established transproject networks that are crossing boundaries between different critical infrastructure sectors and is already embedded into a number of initiatives and clusters. However, the topic addressed by STOP-IT is of such relevance at European level that SINTEF, as Coordinator, is invited to join more than expected networks and partnerships, with a much more need of resources than planned. The participation in these forums will provide IKTPLUSS opportunities for building learning alliances increase competence and considerably increase the visibility of ongoing R&D in Norway. In addition, it will provide the opportunity to identify experts on specific domains to tackle Norwegian national issues.