According to the ministry, the contract “will give Lithuanian governmental agencies direct access to the information managed and research conducted by Microsoft on vulnerabilities and cyber threats, as well as major products and specialized program code for the purpose of accreditation”.
“As Lithuania continues to strengthen its cyber security, we need to have access to as many information sources as possible, especially concerning software products that are used by a significant part of our state institutions and citizens,” Deputy Defense Minister Edvinas Kerza, who signed the agreement during his visit in the United States, was quoted as saying in a press release.
“At the same time we are strengthening international cooperation and developing a solid public-private partnership,” he said.
Lithuania’s participation in the GSP does not entail any expense, nor does it require to have a product purchase agreement with Microsoft, the ministry said.
Another 28 countries have similar contracts with the software giant.