European Cybersecurity
The Foundation of Digital Sovereignty
Digital sovereignty in Europe is becoming increasingly important. In light of geopolitical developments and growing technological dependencies on non-European providers, it is clear that Europe must strengthen its digital independence, particularly in the area of cybersecurity.
What Is Digital Sovereignty?
Digital sovereignty describes the ability of individuals, companies, and states to operate securely and autonomously in the digital space. This requires complete control over one’s own data, systems, and digital infrastructure.
Why is digital sovereignty so important right now?
This issue has become so urgent primarily due to the Cloud Act. This legislation enables U.S. authorities to request that U.S. companies provide them with data, even if that data is stored outside of the United States.
For European companies, this practice would violate the GDPR. This is why many US providers are establishing data centres in the EU, marketing them as 'sovereign'. However, critics refer to this approach as 'sovereignty washing', since legal jurisdiction remains in the US and the Cloud Act thus retains its validity.
European Cybersecurity
In addition to data leaks, there is also a risk that actors outside the EU may be able to influence systems in production through their technical solutions, as the German BSI noted last year. In times of growing geopolitical tensions, this can pose a serious threat.
IT security solutions, in particular, are closely intertwined with users’ infrastructure. These solutions regulate access to systems, monitor data flows and protect against malware. As IT security forms the basis of an increasingly interconnected economy, users should rely on European solutions.
Endian: Cybersecurity Made in Europe
Digital sovereignty has been a central part of Endian's corporate philosophy for many years. Endian is 100 per cent European. Founded over 20 years ago in South Tyrol, the company still has its headquarters there today. Its ownership structure, development and innovation are firmly grounded in the European context, guided by European standards and values.
Users of the Endian Secure Digital Platform should always have the option to decide where their data is stored: either in their own data centre, at a system integration partner’s facility, or in the cloud. This is why the Switchboard, the central management tool, has always been offered as an on-premises solution. Users also have the option to run their own or third-party software via Docker containers. This gives users maximum flexibility.
Technology as the Foundation of Digital Independence
Digital sovereignty does not arise solely from political strategies or legal frameworks. It must also be implemented through technology.
Endian supports companies in this effort by providing the Secure Digital Platform, which comprises various components:
- Management tools for centralised administration of all connected assets
- Security gateways for protecting IT and OT networks
- The Endian Connect app for secure connectivity
Together, these technologies help companies to protect their infrastructure, enable secure communication and maintain control over their data and systems.
An Overview of Europe’s Tech Ecosystem
European Tech Map
The European Tech Map provides support for anyone looking for additional European tech solutions. This interactive map and directory lists European technology companies offering trustworthy, privacy-compliant alternatives to global providers.
The European Tech Map lists hundreds of European software and technology companies across numerous categories, including cybersecurity. All of the companies that are listed meet criteria such as strategic autonomy, economic security and innovative strength within the European context.
Endian welcomes this initiative: It supports companies in their search for European providers, helping them to achieve digital sovereignty more quickly. This is reason enough for us to introduce the project.