The five-year strategy is being submitted to the government for approval after the Seimas on Tuesday unanimously adopted a new law on cyber security.
“The strategy is ready. It has been signed by the minister and is today going to the government for approval,” Deputy Defense Minister Edvinas Kerza told BNS.
According to the draft strategy, cyber attacks against Lithuania’s public and energy sectors, airports, media services and infrastructure important to national security have increased in recent years.
The strategy identifies five objectives, including strengthening the country’s cyber resistance and defense capabilities, combating cybercrime more efficiently, promoting a culture of cyber security and innovation, developing closer private-public-sector cooperation, and enhancing international cooperation.
The new Law on Cyber Security, which is in line with the recently adopted EU directive, sets out in detail the powers of individual authorities in cyber security.
All 94 lawmakers present voted in favor of the bill.
A separate law is expected to be passed shortly to establish fines on directors of institutions and service providers for failing to comply with cyber security requirements.
Lithuanian intelligence bodies say that hostile cyber activity is mostly related to Russia and mostly targets Lithuania’s public authorities and its energy sector.
The Lithuanian government also seeks to take leadership in beefing up cyber capabilities at EU level. In a Lithuania-led initiative, six countries’ defense ministers earlier this week agreed to create cyber rapid response teams.