Second pilot operation within PROTECTIVE project

Prague July 12 2019. Within the European PROTECTIVE project, a second pilot verification of the system for the automated sharing and analysis of cyber security information is underway. Several European National Research and Education Networks, including CESNET (Czech Republic), PSNC (Poland) and RoEduNet (Romania), and other project partner institutions are involved in the information exchange.

The aim of the second pilot operation is to test and evaluate the usability and functionality of the proposed system, including the organizational aspects of being involved in the system. Particular attention is paid to the connection of data sources, especially from three national networks – project members and the subsequent data linking of such nodes (so-called PROTECTIVE node), with a aim to achieve automated sharing of information on security. At the same time, other research organizations and commercial companies are being gradually connected to a community, and thus sharing cybersecurity data, both directly by deploying the PROTECTIVE node and by using the newly implemented PROTECTIVE functions to interoperate with other systems, such as the MISP platforms. In the near future it is also planned to launch a mutual exchange of data with another European cyber security project – C3ISP.

PROTECTIVE collects a information about threats (security events, incidents, anomalies) that are then automatically processed and presented to the user. Processing involves enriching data from other sources, looking for links between events, adding context when the event is somehow related to the partner’s network, and prioritizing based on multiple criteria and user preferences.

„In this project, CESNET was mainly involved in the designing and implementation of a system for information sharing, designing basic data processing platforms and also several add-on components for data analysis. Another CESNET’s role is to test the proposed system in the CESNET e-infrastructure and in the sphere of influence and responsibility of the accredited CESNET-CERTS security team. We see the system as a very useful service that could make security teams more efficient. In the our we are continuing the ongoing development and strategic objectives in the field of security and integrating the system with existing tools used to ensure the security of the infrastructure. We are also pleased that we are gradually succeeding in establishing partnerships with other organizations outside the project that are involved in sharing and exchanging security information, where we believe that this cooperation will continue beyond the end of the project.“ says Andrea Kropáčová, CESNET’s project coordinator.

Project PROTECTIVE (Proactive Risk management through Improved Cyber Situational Awareness) was launched in September 2016 and is ending in August 2019. It is part of the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation – Horizon2020 program. The PROTECTIVE Consortium consists of three national research and education networks, including the CESNET, three other academic institutions and four commercial partners from eight countries. The main objective of the project is to raise awareness among organizations of the risks posed by cyber security attacks by creating a system for collecting and processing security-related data and information and sharing relevant information among them. More information about the project: https://protective-h2020.eu/.

The CESNET Association was founded by Czech universities and the Czech Academy of Sciences in 1996. It has built and developed the national CESNET e-infrastructure, which is designated to support science, research, and education. The CESNET e-infrastructure includes a computer network, computing grids, data storages, and an environment for collaboration, and it offers a wide range of services to universities, scientific research facilities, and other institutions. The Association also does its own research and development of information and communications technology and represents the Czech Republic in major international projects, particularly those related to building the pan-European GÉANT network. CESNET places great emphasis on the security of network operations, services, and user data.

Last change: 12.7.2019