Goal: Digitize More Data - Are We Compromising Security?

Europe has established four primary areas for digitalization, with progress meticulously tracked each year to set future goals. Marius Vaščega, head of the European Commission Representation in Lithuania, detailed these areas: ensuring citizens possess the necessary skills to navigate new technologies, developing infrastructure for high-speed internet access, encouraging businesses to adopt and utilize new technologies, and enhancing public digital services for remote access and convenience.

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First, it relates to having skills, so that as many residents as possible have them and know how to use the new technologies that are coming. This is very important, otherwise one can be left on the digital periphery, not to mention the creation of new technologies, if one does not keep pace with them.

Vaščega highlighted how digitalization impacts daily life through online banking, tax filings, and remote document signing. He also noted the role of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence in assisting with information management. However, he stressed that digitalization and security must advance in tandem. Recent cyberattacks in Lithuania, which led to data leaks, underscore the importance of proactive cybersecurity measures rather than reacting to incidents.

"Cybersecurity should always be considered proactively, not after an incident, ensuring systems are as secure as possible," Vaščega advised. He also emphasized the individual's role, urging critical evaluation of requests for passwords, personal data, or suspicious emails. He drew a parallel to physical life, where one would be wary of a stranger asking for personal information on the street, advocating for similar caution in the digital realm.

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It is always worth looking at cybersecurity proactively, not after some incident, and ensuring that systems are as secure as possible. However, the individual should also be vigilant – critically evaluate requests to disclose passwords, personal data, or suspicious emails.

At the European Union level, regulations like the Cybersecurity Act, data protection requirements, and the Digital Services Act are in place. Special attention is given to the cybersecurity of healthcare institutions and other critical digital services handling sensitive personal data. While Lithuania, like other European countries, is recognized for its strong internet connectivity reaching almost all inhabited areas, Vaščega indicated there is still progress to be made in other facets of digitalization.

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The digital space is similar to our physical life – it would probably seem strange if a stranger approached you on the street and asked for personal data. We must act the same way in the digital space – critically evaluate situations and not take the bait.