In an era where digital transformation shapes every aspect of our lives, the security of our online presence is more crucial than ever. As Europe strides towards a safer internet ecosystem through initiatives like DNS4EU, the importance of Computer Security Incident Response Teams (CSIRTs) comes to the forefront. These specialised teams play a pivotal role in safeguarding our digital infrastructure against ever-evolving threats. Among them, HunCERT, operated by HUN-REN SZTAKI, is proud to participate in this ambitious project, bringing its unique blend of expertise and innovation.
HunCERT is a sectoral CERT in Hungary. Since its establishment in 2003 by the Council of Hungarian Internet Providers (CHIP) and the Institute for Computer Science and Control (HUN-REN SZTAKI), HunCERT operates in relation with the Budapest Internet Exchange (BIX) and the .hu ccTLD, with continuous advancements in national cybersecurity in its main focus: almost two decades of expertise in the processing of external security intelligence and the coordination of mitigation efforts are complemented by a self-developed distributed honeypot (PROBE) that provides independent information on local threats for analysts.
Classical CERT activities such as incident response, technical workshops, and security briefings are complemented by research and development, supported by the expertise of engineering scientists from a very diverse range of backgrounds. HUN-REN SZTAKI - the technical base for HunCERT - is an EU Centre of Excellence, a full member of ERCIM (European Research Consortium of Informatics and Mathematics), plus a member and regional office of the (World Wide Web) W3 Consortium.
Role of HunCERT in the DNS4EU project
In addition to providing threat intelligence, HunCERT, backed by the technical prowess of HUN-REN SZTAKI, takes on more of an advisory role in the project, focusing on several crucial areas. We assist in creating the Security Design of the system by identifying potential threats to the DNS4EU infrastructure, ensuring that the project’s design is resilient against known and emerging cyber risks, while also advising on data security, access control, vulnerability management, and preparation for security audits. We are also involved in communication and dissemination activities to ensure that knowledge regarding the DNS4EU project’s objectives, developments, and achievements is effectively communicated to the broader public, policymakers, and industry professionals. We have given presentations at several major conferences (huNOG, Networkshop) on this topic, and more are planned.
Our participation in the DNS4EU project underlines the commitment of HunCERT and HUN-REN SZTAKI to promote cybersecurity at a national and European level. By leveraging our extensive experience and technical expertise, we aim to make a meaningful contribution to the success of the project, strengthening the security and resilience of the European Internet Domain Name System for the benefit of all.
This blog post was written by HunCERT (SZTAKI). SZTAKI is a member of the DNS4EU consortium.
