NCSI re-launched an updated methodology

On 30 November the National Cyber Security Index (NCSI) re-launched its updated methodology NCSI 3.0. The re-launch was celebrated with an online event featuring leading experts and practitioners in cybersecurity of the European Union Member States and beyond. This event was more than just an announcement on updates; it was a place for in-depth discussions about cybersecurity challenges and the role of Cybersecurity Indexes in capacity building worldwide.

„In a time where the reliance on digital systems is growing, the need to strengthen cybersecurity becomes more critical. NCSI stands for this mission, and its newest version, NCSI 3.0, introduces significant updates to ensure that it effectively matches the needs of the changing cyberspace,“ said Andrus Ääremaa, Programme Manager of Digital Transformation, ESTDEV. 

In order to keep up with the evolving best practices in cybersecurity, the NCSI’s methodology was upgraded with 11 new indicators, a new structure, and a detailed explanation for all the components of the NCSI. Updates include new aspects such as the role of government leaders in cybersecurity, laws governing cyberspace, and research. It also focuses on securing cloud services and supply chains. These updates aim to boost the NCSI, helping countries to get a clear understanding of their cybersecurity status and to strengthen it further. “With these significant changes, the NCSI remains the most transparent and accessible cybersecurity index in the field. As the most comprehensive index to date, eGA invites volunteer contributors to take NCSI further,” said Radu Serrano, NCSI Project Team Lead and Cybersecurity Expert at eGA.

The event highlighted the crucial role of tools like the NCSI in assessing cybersecurity readiness among countries. Merle Maigre, Head of Cybersecurity Competence Center at the eGA reminded us that investing in cyber capacities & indexes is key to knowing our cyber strengths and challenges. „The launch of NCSI 3.0 marks a significant step in our ongoing efforts to increase global digital safety. We encourage nations and cybersecurity professionals to adopt this updated index to strenghten their cyber defences,“ said Merle Maigre. 

National cybersecurity, as discussed throughout the event, requires collaborative effort – international and regional cooperation are essential to stay ahead of threats in cyberspace. Tanel Sepp, Ambassador at Large for Cyber Diplomacy, Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stressed the crucial role of cyber diplomacy for a stable cyberspace. “As we digitalise, collaboration is key. The inclusion of cyber diplomacy in the index is a pivotal step toward unified cyber resilience,” he stressed. 

The discussions also looked at general themes, such as the role of political leadership in cybersecurity, international cooperation, cybersecurity education and the evolving challenges in the cyber domain.

The NCSI is a global live index that assesses the preparedness of countries to prevent cyber threats and manage cyber incidents. Since its inception in 2016, it has been regularly updated to remain relevant and effective in response to the changing online world and emerging threats. The development and management of the NCSI is funded by the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and ESTDEV.

Based on the NCSI Cybersecurity Maturity Assessments are compiled for Armenia, Botswana, Georgia, Jamaica, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Northern Macedonia, and Uganda. Finland and Georgia are using NCSI to develop the country‘s national cybersecurity.

For more details on the NCSI, please visit our website ncsi.ega.ee . 

To update the country data contact the NCSI team via .

Re-watch all discussions and presentations at eGA Vimeo channel.