With the gradual increase in cyberattacks, cybersecurity has become a central issue on government agendas. 

According to a report by Check Point Research, the number of cyberattacks in 2023 grew by 38% compared to the previous year, with sectors such as health, energy and public services being the most targeted. 

This reality requires governments around the world to implement robust strategies to protect critical infrastructure, sensitive data and citizens.

In other words, understanding the measures adopted by different countries is key to understanding global trends and identifying good practices that can be replicated in other contexts. Below, we will explore some nations leading the cybersecurity debate, highlighting their actions.

List: Governments that stand out when it comes to cybersecurity

• China: focused on offensive and defensive strategies, with strong regulation and control of digital infrastructure
• Israel: considered a hub of innovation in cybersecurity, with massive investments in startups and public-private partnerships
• Germany: a pioneer in data protection and cybersecurity regulations in the industrial sector
• Estonia: an example of how small countries can lead the way in the use of technology, with advanced protection systems for digital governments.

How does Brazil behave in relation to government cybersecurity?

In Brazil, cybersecurity has gained prominence in recent years due to the increase in attacks on public and private institutions. 

The creation of the National Cybersecurity Strategy (E-Ciber) was an important milestone, establishing guidelines to protect critical infrastructures and foster cooperation between the government, companies and civil society.

Among the most relevant initiatives are:

• The Cyber Defense Center (CDCiber), coordinated by the Army, which monitors and responds to threats.
• The LGPD (General Data Protection Law), which regulates the use of personal data and increases companies’ responsibility for digital security.
• International partnerships for training and information exchange on global threats.

Despite these advances, challenges such as the lack of skilled labor and limited investment are still significant obstacles to Brazil reaching a more competitive global level.

What are the United States’ initiatives?

The US is widely recognized as a leader in global cybersecurity. Its approach combines regulation, investment in technology and international partnerships.

Highlights of the US strategy:

• Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA): an agency specializing in protecting critical infrastructures such as energy, health and transportation.
• National Cybersecurity Strategy: published in 2023, this strategy focuses on digital resilience, public-private collaboration and deterring malicious actors.
• Global initiatives: partnerships with allies such as NATO and G7 countries to combat digital crime and strengthen internet security standards.

The US is also leading the way in developing emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence for threat detection and next-generation encryption solutions.

And what is the UK doing about its government’s cybersecurity?

The UK is one of the most advanced countries in cybersecurity, with strategies that combine regulation, innovation and national defense.

Highlights of the British strategy:

• National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC): coordinates defense against cyberattacks, offering technical support to public and private institutions.
• National Cyber Strategy 2022: a comprehensive plan that focuses on strengthening cyber defenses, developing talent and promoting international collaboration.
• Cyber Essentials: a program that offers security certification for companies, encouraging good practices and the protection of corporate data.

The UK is also known for investing in emerging technology and for its policy of rapid response to cyber incidents, helping to protect critical infrastructure such as financial systems and energy networks.

International cooperation in cybersecurity

The global nature of cyber threats requires governments to collaborate across borders. 

International cooperation is a key part of tackling challenges such as ransomware attacks, digital espionage and online financial crimes, which often involve actors in multiple countries. Several initiatives and organizations work to promote cybersecurity globally. 

These include:

• Interpol: coordinates global efforts to track down and combat cyber criminals, facilitating cooperation between the police forces of different nations.
• NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization): in the military sphere, it develops cyber defense policies to protect member states against attacks that threaten national security.
• European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA): in Europe, ENISA provides technical support and promotes collaboration between the countries of the European Union, creating a unified approach to cyber protection.

In addition, forums such as the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise (GFCE) and events such as the Global Cybersecurity Conference enable the exchange of best practices, strategies and knowledge on the latest threats.

Governments also participate in agreements that seek to standardize cybersecurity laws and standards, such as:

• Budapest Convention: the first international treaty focused on combating cybercrime, promoting legislative harmonization and legal cooperation between countries.
• UN Cybersecurity Standards: establish guidelines to prevent the use of digital technologies as a weapon in international conflicts.

Finally, many partnerships include the training of professionals and the transfer of advanced technologies. For example, countries like Estonia and Israel offer training programs to other nations, helping them to strengthen their cyber defenses.

This cooperation not only combats specific threats, but also increases global resilience, creating a more robust ecosystem against cyberattacks.