The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) is working to enhance its cyber threat protection, with its Belgian Mons headquarters (SHAPE) playing a key role.
The NATO allies decided on Wednesday to enhance the alliance's cyber threat protection with a new centre at its headquarters in Casteau, near the Belgian city of Mons (SHAPE), a NATO press release confirmed. Named the 'NATO Integrated Cyber Defence Centre' (NICC), the new hub will both boost the alliance members' network protection and optimise the use of cyberspace.
"The centre will inform NATO military commanders of possible threats and vulnerabilities in cyberspace," the NATO press release stated, referring particularly to essential civilian infrastructures that support military operations.
Comprising NATO personnel, alongside staff from various Member States and industry experts, the centre will utilise state-of-the-art technologies to heighten alliance awareness of cyberspace and shore up resilience and defence.
Details of the centre's structure and functions will be disclosed in the coming months. NATO stressed that the centre will promote a predictable and secure approach to cyberspace "in line with allies' shared values and international obligations."
Washington summit
The decision was made during the annual NATO summit. It is taking place from Tuesday to Thursday and brings together the heads of state and government of the 32 NATO Member States in Washington.
The main focus of the summit has been NATO countries' support for Ukraine, with further military aid and a renewed condemnation of the Russian invasion, with a finger being pointed at China for reinforcing the war. Allies are also expressing their unity and celebrating the alliance's 75th anniversary.
However, the domestic politics of one of NATO's most prolific members, the United States, are also being expressed at the summit. Special attention is being paid to President Joe Biden, amid fears he may not be re-elected and concern over NATO's future if Donald Trump – who has criticised the alliance as being "obsolete" – returns to the presidency.
