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Network and Information Systems Order, 2018

29 Articles / Provisions · Malta
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Table of Provisions (29)

Statutory Text (29 Articles)

Malta Government Gazette — Legal Notice 2018 216 · Gazzetta tal-Gvern ta’ Malta Nru. 20,022– 06.07.2018 — Network and Information Systems Order, 2018

L.N. 216 of 2018

EUROPEAN UNION ACT

(CAP. 460)

Measures For High Common Level of Security of

Network and Information Systems Order, 2018

IN EXERCISE of the powers conferred by article 4(2) of the

European Union Act, the Prime Minister has made the following

order:-.

PART I - PRELIMINARY

Malta Government Gazette — Legal Notice 2018 216 · Gazzetta tal-Gvern ta’ Malta Nru. 20,022– 06.07.2018 — Network and Information Systems Order, 2018

(1) The title of this order is Measures for High Common

Level of Security of Network and Information Systems Order, 2018.

(2) This order transposes Directive (EU) 2016/1148 of the

European Parliament and of the Council of 6 July 2016 concerning

measures for a high common level of security of network and

information systems across the Union.

Malta Government Gazette — Legal Notice 2018 216 · Gazzetta tal-Gvern ta’ Malta Nru. 20,022– 06.07.2018 — Network and Information Systems Order, 2018

REQUIREMENTS AND TASKS OF COMPUTER SECURITY

INCIDENT RESPONSE TEAMS (CSIRTs)

The requirements and tasks of CSIRTs shall be adequately and

clearly defined and supported by national policy and, or regulation.

Such requirements and tasks shall include the following

(1)

Requirements for all CSIRTs

(a) CSIRTs shall ensure a high level of availability of

their communications services by avoiding single points of

failure and shall have several means for being contacted and for

contacting others at all times. Furthermore, the communication

channels shall be clearly specified and well known to the

constituency and cooperative partners.

(b) CSIRTs' premises and the supporting information

systems shall be located in secure sites.

(c)

Operator Security and Business continuity

(i) CSIRTs shall be equipped with an appropriate

system for managing and routing requests, in order to

facilitate handovers.

(ii) CSIRTs shall be adequately staffed with

computer security incident response officers (CSIROs) to

ensure availability at all times.

(iii) CSIRTs shall rely on an infrastructure the

continuity of which is ensured. To that end, redundant

systems and backup working space shall be available.

(d) CSIRTs shall have the possibility to participate,

where they wish to do so, in local, international cooperation

networks or both.

(2)

CSIRTMalta’s tasks

(a)

CSIRTMalta tasks shall include at least the following

(i)

monitoring incidents at a national level;

(ii) providing early warning, alerts, announcements

and dissemination of information to relevant stakeholders

about risks and incidents;

(iii) Coordinating and responding to incidents

providing the necessary support and advice to constituents;

(iv) providing dynamic risk and incident analysis

and situational awareness;

(v) participating in the CSIRTs network and in the

European Cooperation Group to ensure the effective,

efficient and secure cooperation at the European level;

(b) CSIRTMalta shall establish cooperation relationships

with the public and private sector.

(c) To facilitate cooperation, CSIRTMalta shall promote

the adoption and use of common or standardised practices for

(i)

incident and risk-handling procedures;

(ii) incident, risk and information classification

schemes;

(3)

CSIRTs' tasks

(a)

CSIRTs' tasks shall include at least the following

(i) monitoring incidents of assets, systems, or

networks;

(ii) providing early warning, alerts, announcements

and dissemination of information to relevant stakeholders

about risks and incidents;

(iii) responding to incidents;

(iv) providing dynamic risk and incident analysis

and situational awareness.

Malta Government Gazette — Legal Notice 2018 216 · Gazzetta tal-Gvern ta’ Malta Nru. 20,022– 06.07.2018 — Network and Information Systems Order, 2018

In this order unless the context otherwise requires

"autonomous CSIRT" means a self-organised CSIRT which

provides a monitoring function of CSIRT services and alerts to its own

business or other agencies, operators of essential services or digital

service providers;

"CIP Unit" means the Malta Critical Infrastructure Protection

(CIP) Unit established under article 3 of the Critical Infrastructures

and European Critical Infrastructures (Identification, Designation and

Protection) Order;

"CIIP Unit" means the Critical Information Infrastructure

Protection Unit as established under article 5(1);

"cloud computing service" means a digital service that enables

access to a scalable and elastic pool of shareable computing resources;

"consumer" means any natural person who is acting for purposes

which are outside his trade, business, craft or profession;

"critical information infrastructure" or "CII" means an

information and communication technology asset, system, network or

part thereof which is essential for the maintenance of vital societal

functions, health, safety, security, economic or social well-being of

people, and the disruption or destruction of which would have a

significant impact in Malta as a result of the failure to maintain those

functions;

"critical infrastructure" or "CI" has the same meaning assigned to

it by article 2 of the Critical Infrastructures and European Critical S.L. 460. 24.

Infrastructures (Identification, Designation and Protection) Order;

"CSIRT" means computer security incident response team;

"Data Protection Commissioner" means the Information and Data

Protection Commissioner as appointed under article 11 of the Data Cap. 586.

Protection Act.

"digital service" means a service within the meaning of

regulation 2 of the Notification Procedure Regulations which is of a S.L. 419.06.

type listed in the Third Schedule;

"DNS service provider" means an entity which provides DNS

services on the internet;

"digital service provider" means any legal person that provides a

digital service;

"domain name system" or "DNS" means a hierarchical

distributed naming system in a network which refers queries for

domain names;

"incident" means any event having an effect on the security of

network and information systems;

"incident handling" means all procedures supporting the

detection, analysis and containment of an incident and the response

thereto;

"internet exchange point" or "IXP" means a network facility

which enables the interconnection of more than two independent

autonomous systems, primarily for the purpose of facilitating the

exchange of internet traffic; an IXP provides interconnection only for

autonomous systems; an IXP does not require the internet traffic

passing between any pair of participating autonomous systems to pass

through any third autonomous system, nor does it alter or otherwise

interfere with such traffic;

"Malta Communications Authority" means the authority

established under article 3 of the Malta Communications Authority Cap. 418.

Act;

"Member States" means the Member States of the European

Union;

"Minister" means the Minister responsible for the protection of

critical infrastructure and critical information infrastructure protection;

"national strategy on the security of network and information

systems" means a framework providing strategic objectives and

priorities on the security of network and information systems at

national level;

"network and information system" means

(a) an electronic communications network within the

meaning of article 2 of the Electronic Communications

(Regulation) Act;

(b) any device or group of interconnected or related

devices, one or more of which, pursuant to a program, perform

automatic processing of digital data; or

(c) digital data stored, processed, retrieved or transmitted

by elements covered under paragraphs (a) and (b) for the

purposes of their operation, use, protection and maintenance.

"online marketplace" means a digital service that allows

consumers, traders or both as respectively defined in paragraph (a) and

in paragraph (b) of Article 4(1) of Directive 2013/11/EU of the

European Parliament and of the Council to conclude online sales or

services contracts with traders either on the online marketplace’s

website or on a trader's website that uses computing services provided

by the online marketplace;

"online search engine" means a digital service that allows users

to perform searches of, in principle, all websites or websites in a

particular language on the basis of a query on any subject in the form

of a keyword, phrase or other input, and returns links in which

information related to the requested content can be found;

"operator of essential services" means a public or private entity

of a type referred to in the Second Schedule, which meets the criteria

laid down in article 9(2);

"operator security plan" or "business continuity management" is

the overall procedure identifying the assets, systems, networks or part

thereof within critical information infrastructures, operator of essential

services and, or digital service providers, identifying the security

solutions and technical measures that exist or are being implemented

for their protection and the identification, selection and prioritization

of counter measures and procedures;

"representative" means any natural or legal person established in

the Union explicitly designated to act on behalf of a digital service

provider not established in the Union, which may be addressed by a

national competent authority or a CSIRT instead of the digital service

provider with regard to the obligations of that digital service provider

under this order;

"risk" means any reasonably identifiable circumstance or event

having a potential effect on the security of network and information

systems and leading to uncertainty on the objectives of an asset,

system, network or part thereof. An effect is a deviation from the

expected objectives, objectives may have different aspects and may

apply at different levels, positive or negative. Objectives can have

different aspects (such as financial, health and safety, and

environmental goals) and can apply at different levels (such as

strategic, organization-wide, project, product and process). Risk is

often characterized by reference to potential events and consequences,

or a combination of these. Risk is often expressed in terms of a

combination of the consequences of an event, including changes in

circumstances, and the associated likelihood of occurrence;

"risk assessment" is the overall process of risk identification, risk

analysis and risk evaluation, incorporating the identification of risk

sources, events, their causes and their potential consequences,

comprehending the nature of risk and determining the level of risk,

with the ultimate objective of comparing the results of the risk analysis

with the risk criteria in order to determine whether the risk and, or its

magnitude is acceptable or tolerable;

"security of network and information systems" means the ability

of network and information systems to resist, at a given level of

confidence, any action that compromises the availability, authenticity,

integrity or confidentiality of stored or transmitted or processed data or

the related services offered by, or accessible via those network and

information systems;

"standard" means a standard within the meaning of paragraph (1)

of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) No 1025/2012 of the European

Parliament and of the Council;

"specification" means a technical specification within the

meaning of paragraph (4) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) No 1025/

2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council;

"top-level domain name registry" means an entity which

administers and operates the registration of internet domain names

under a specific top-level domain;

"trader" means any natural persons, or any legal person

irrespective of whether privately or publicly owned, who is acting,

including through any person acting in his name or on his behalf, for

purposes relating to his trade, business, craft or profession;

"Treaty" shall have the same meaning as in article 2 of the

European Union Act.

Malta Government Gazette — Legal Notice 2018 216 · Gazzetta tal-Gvern ta’ Malta Nru. 20,022– 06.07.2018 — Network and Information Systems Order, 2018

TYPES OF ENTITIES FOR THE PURPOSES OF THE

INTERPRETATION OF

"OPERATOR OF ESSENTIAL SERVICES"

UNDER ARTICLE 2

Sector

Subsector

Type of entity

1. Energy

(a) Electricity

Electricity undertakings as defined in point

(35) of Article 2 of Directive 2009/72/EC

of the European Parliament and of the

Council ( 1 ), which carry out the function of

‘supply’ as defined in point (19) of Article

2 of that Directive

Distribution system operators as defined in

point (6) of Article 2 of Directive 2009/72/

EC

Transmission system operators as defined

in point (4) of Article 2 of Directive 2009/

72/EC

(b) Oil

Operators of oil transmission pipelines

Operators of oil production, refining and

treatment facilities, storage and

transmission

(c) Gas

Supply undertakings as defined in point (8)

of Article 2 of Directive 2009/73/EC of the

European Parliament and of the Council ( 2 )

Distribution system operators as defined in

point (6) of Article 2 of Directive 2009/73/

EC

Transmission system operators as defined

in point (4) of Article 2 of Directive 2009/

73/EC

Storage system operators as defined in

point (10) of Article 2 of Directive 2009/

73/EC

LNG system operators as defined in point

(12) of Article 2 of Directive 2009/73/EC

Natural gas undertakings as defined in

point (1) of Article 2 of Directive 2009/73/

EC

Operators of natural gas refining and

treatment facilities

2. Transport

(a) Air transport

Air carriers as defined in point (4) of

Article 3 of Regulation (EC) No 300/2008

of the European Parliament and of the

Council ( 3 )

Airport managing bodies as defined in

point (2) of Article 2 of Directive 2009/12/

EC of the European Parliament and of the

Council ( 4 ), airports as defined in point (1)

of Article 2 of that Directive, including the

core airports listed in point 2 of Annex II to

Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013 of the

European Parliament and of the Council

( 5 ), and entities operating ancillary

installations contained within airports

Traffic management control operators

providing air traffic control (ATC) services

as defined in point (1) of Article 2 of

Regulation (EC) No 549/2004 of the

European Parliament and of the Council ( 6 )

(b) Rail Transport

Infrastructure managers as defined in point

(2) of Article 3 of Directive 2012/34/EU of

the European Parliament and of the

Council ( 7 )

Railway undertakings as defined in point

(1) of Article 3 of Directive 2012/34/EU,

including operators of service facilities as

defined in point (12) of Article 3 of

Directive 2012/34/EU

(c) Water transport

Inland, sea and coastal passenger and

freight water transport companies, as

defined for maritime transport in Annex I

to Regulation (EC) No 725/2004 of the

European Parliament and of the Council

( 8 ), not including the individual vessels

operated by those companies

Managing bodies of ports as defined in

point (1) of Article 3 of Directive 2005/65/

EC of the European Parliament and of the

Council ( 9 ), including their port facilities as

defined in point (11) of Article 2 of

Regulation (EC) No 725/2004, and entities

operating works and equipment contained

within ports

Operators of vessel traffic services as

defined in point (o) of Article 3 of

Directive 2002/59/EC of the European

Parliament and of the Council ( 10 )

(d) Road transport

Road authorities as defined in point (12) of

Article 2 of Commission Delegated

Regulation (EU) 2015/962 ( 11 ) responsible

for traffic management control

Operators of Intelligent Transport Systems

as defined in point (1) of Article 4 of

Directive 2010/40/EU of the European

Parliament and of the Council ( 12 )

3. Banking

Credit institutions as defined in point (1) of

Article 4 of Regulation (EU) No 575/2013

of the European Parliament and of the

Council ( 13 )

4. Financial

Operators of trading venues as defined in

point (24) of Article 4 of Directive 2014/

infrastructures

65/EU of the European Parliament and of

the Council ( 14 )

Central counterparties (CCPs) as defined in

point (1) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU)

No 648/2012 of the European Parliament

and of the Council ( 15 )

5. Health sector

Health care settings

Healthcare providers as defined in point (g)

(including hospitals

of Article 3 of Directive 2011/24/EU of the

and private clinics)

European Parliament and of the Council

( 16 )

6. Drinking water

Suppliers and distributors of water

supply and

intended for human consumption as

distribution

defined in point (1)(a) of Article 2 of

Council Directive 98/83/EC ( 17 ) but

excluding distributors for whom

distribution of water for human

consumption is only part of their general

activity of distributing other commodities

and goods which are not considered

essential services

IXPs

Infrastructure

DNS service providers

TLD name registries

Government Departments, entities, assets,

Administration

systems and networks within the public

service and public sector.

Directive 2009/72/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of

13 July 2009 concerning common rules for the internal market in elec-

tricity and repealing Directive 2003/54/EC (OJ L 211, 14.8.2009, p. 55).

Directive 2009/73/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of

13 July 2009 concerning common rules for the internal market in natural

gas and repealing Directive 2003/55/EC (OJ L 211, 14.8.2009, p. 94).

Regulation (EC) No 300/2008 of the European Parliament and of the

Council of 11 March 2008 on common rules in the field of civil aviation

security and repealing Regulation (EC) No 2320/2002 (OJ L 97,

9.4.2008, p. 72).

Directive 2009/12/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of

11 March 2009 on airport charges (OJ L 70, 14.3.2009, p. 11).

Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013 of the European Parliament and of the

Council of 11 December 2013 on Union guidelines for the development

of the trans–European transport network and repealing Decision No 661/

2010/EU (OJ L 348, 20.12.2013, p. 1).

(6)

Regulation (EC) No 549/2004 of the European Parliament and of the

Council of 10 March 2004 laying down the framework for the creation of

the single European sky (the framework Regulation) (OJ L 96,

Malta Government Gazette — Legal Notice 2018 216 · Gazzetta tal-Gvern ta’ Malta Nru. 20,022– 06.07.2018 — Network and Information Systems Order, 2018

(1) The security and notification requirements of this

order shall not apply to undertakings which are subject to the

requirements of Article 13a and 13b of Directive 2002/21/EC of the

European Parliament and of the Council, or to trust service providers

which are subject to requirements of Article 19 of Regulation (EU) No

910/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council.

(2) This order applies without prejudice to the Critical

Infrastructures and European Critical Infrastructures (Identification,

Designation and Protection) Order and Directives 2011/93/EU and

2013/40/EU of the Europe Parliament and of the Council.

(3) Without prejudice to Article 346 TFEU, information that is

confidential pursuant to law, such as rules on business confidentiality,

shall be exchanged with the European Commission and relevant

authorities only where such exchange is necessary for the application

of this order. The information exchanged shall be limited to that which

is relevant and proportionate to the purpose of such exchange. Such

exchange of information shall preserve the confidentiality of that

information and protect the security and commercial interests of

operators of essential services and digital service providers.

(4) This order is without prejudice to the actions taken to

safeguard essential State functions, in particular to safeguard national

security, including actions protecting information the disclosure of

which is contrary to the essential interests of the security of Malta, and

to maintain law and order, in particular to allow for the investigation,

detection and prosecution of criminal offences.

(5) Where a sector-specific law requires operators of essential

services or digital service providers either to ensure the security of

their network and information systems or to notify incidents, provided

that such requirements are at least equivalent in effect to the

obligations laid down in this order, those provisions of that sector-

specific law shall apply.

Malta Government Gazette — Legal Notice 2018 216 · Gazzetta tal-Gvern ta’ Malta Nru. 20,022– 06.07.2018 — Network and Information Systems Order, 2018

TYPES OF DIGITAL SERVICES FOR THE PURPOSES OF

THE INTERPRETATION OF "DIGITAL SERVICE"

UNDER ARTICLE 2

1. Online marketplace.

2. Online search engine.

3. Cloud computing service.

€2.43

Malta Government Gazette — Legal Notice 2018 216 · Gazzetta tal-Gvern ta’ Malta Nru. 20,022– 06.07.2018 — Network and Information Systems Order, 2018

Processing of personal data pursuant to this order shall be Processing of

carried out in accordance with the Data Protection Act and Regulation personal

2016/679/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council.

PART II – CRITICAL INFORMATION INFRASTRUCTURE

PROTECTION UNIT, CSIRTMalta and CSIRTs

Malta Government Gazette — Legal Notice 2018 216 · Gazzetta tal-Gvern ta’ Malta Nru. 20,022– 06.07.2018 — Network and Information Systems Order, 2018

(1) There shall be a Critical Information Infrastructure The CIIP Unit.

Protection Unit within the Critical Infrastructure Protection

Directorate, herein referred to as the ‘CIIP Unit’.

(2) The CIIP Unit shall be responsible for monitoring the

application of this order and shall be the national competent authority

covering the sectors referred to in the Second Schedule and the

services referred to in the Third Schedule.

(3)

The CIIP Unit shall be responsible for

(a) establishing the criteria for the identification and

designation of operators of essential services and digital service

providers;

(b) identifying and designating operators of essential

services within Malta pursuant to article 9;

(c) identifying the services provided by operators of

essential services and digital service providers;

(d) ensuring that a risk assessment is carried out by

operators of essential services and digital service providers;

(e) ensuring that operators of essential services and

digital service providers draw up and maintain an operator

security plan;

(f) instigating simulated runs of operator security plans

by operators of essential services and digital service providers.

(g) without prejudice to article 3(3), building

partnerships with operators of Critical Information

Infrastructures (CIIs) for information sharing;

(h) maintaining a register of CSIRTs, operators of

essential services and digital service providers providing

services in Malta;

(i) exercising a liaison function to ensure cross-border

cooperation with the relevant authorities in other Member States

and with the Cooperation Group and the CSIRTs network;

(j) adopting a national strategy on the security of

network and information systems pursuant to article 8;

(k) monitoring security measures taken by operators of

essential services pursuant to article 11.

(4) The CIIP Unit shall also perform such related and

consequential duties as the Minister may delegate from time to time.

(5) The CIIP Unit shall, whenever appropriate and in

accordance with law, consult and cooperate with the relevant national

law enforcement authorities and the Data Protection Commissioner.

Malta Government Gazette — Legal Notice 2018 216 · Gazzetta tal-Gvern ta’ Malta Nru. 20,022– 06.07.2018 — Network and Information Systems Order, 2018

(1) There shall be a National CSIRT within the CIIP

Unit, to be known as CSIRTMalta which shall comply with the

requirements and tasks set out in paragraphs 1 and 2 of the First

Schedule respectively, covering at least the sectors referred to in the

Second Schedule and the services referred to in the Third Schedule.

CSIRTMalta shall be responsible for risk and incident handling in

accordance with a well-defined process.

(2) CSIRT Malta shall inform the CIIP Unit about incident

notifications submitted pursuant to this order.

(3) Operators of an essential service shall receive CSIRT

monitoring services from any of the following CSIRTs which shall

comply with the requirements and tasks set out in paragraphs 1 and 3

respectively of the First Schedule

(a) an internal CSIRT providing CSIRT monitoring

services and alerts within operators of essential services;

(b) an autonomous CSIRT may be contracted to perform

CSIRT monitoring services.

(4) Any operator of essential services which fails to establish a

CSIRT as provided for in sub-article (3) shall be liable to an

administrative fine in accordance with the procedure under article 19.

(5) The CIP Unit and CIIP Unit shall cooperate for the better

fulfilment of the obligations laid down in this order.

Malta Government Gazette — Legal Notice 2018 216 · Gazzetta tal-Gvern ta’ Malta Nru. 20,022– 06.07.2018 — Network and Information Systems Order, 2018

The Minister shall ensure that

(a) the CIIP Unit and CSIRTMalta have adequate

resources to carry out in an effective and efficient manner, the

tasks assigned to them and thereby to fulfil the objectives of this

order;

(b) CSIRTMalta shall have access to an appropriate,

secure and resilient communication and information

infrastructure at national level.

PART III– NATIONAL FRAMEWORK ON THE SECURITY OF

NETWORK AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Malta Government Gazette — Legal Notice 2018 216 · Gazzetta tal-Gvern ta’ Malta Nru. 20,022– 06.07.2018 — Network and Information Systems Order, 2018

The CIIP Unit in collaboration with other entities and National

stakeholders, shall adopt a national strategy on the security of network Strategy

security of

and information systems defining the strategic objectives and network

information

appropriate policy and regulatory measures with a view to achieving systems.

and maintaining a high level of security of network and information

systems and covering at least the sectors referred to in the Second

Schedule and the services referred to in the Third Schedule. The

national strategy on the security of network and information systems

shall address, in particular, the following issues

(a) the objectives and priorities of the national strategy

on the security of network and information systems;

(b) a governance framework to achieve the objectives

and priorities of the national strategy on the security of network

and information systems, including roles and responsibilities of

the government bodies and the other relevant actors;

(c) the identification of measures relating to

preparedness, response and recovery, including cooperation

between the public and private sectors;

(d) an indication of the education, awareness-raising and

training programmes relating to the national strategy on the

security of network and information systems;

(e) an indication of the research and development plans

relating to the national strategy on the security of network and

information systems;

(f)

a risk assessment plan to identify risks;

(g) a list of the various actors involved in the

implementation of the national strategy on the security of

network and information systems.

PART IV – SECURITY OF NETWORK AND INFORMATION

SYSTEMS OF OPERATORS OF ESSENTIAL SERVICE

Malta Government Gazette — Legal Notice 2018 216 · Gazzetta tal-Gvern ta’ Malta Nru. 20,022– 06.07.2018 — Network and Information Systems Order, 2018

(1) The CIIP Unit shall for each sector and subsector

referred to in the Second Schedule identify operators of essential

services within Malta.

(2) In identifying operators of essential services pursuant to

sub-article (1) the CIIP unit shall take into account that

(a) the entity provides a service which is essential for the

maintenance of critical societal, economic activities or both;

(b) the provision of that service depends on network and

information systems; and

(c) an incident would have significant disruptive effects

on the provision of that service.

(3) For the purposes of sub-article (1), the CIIP Unit shall

establish a list of the services referred to in paragraph (a) of sub-article

(2).

(4) Upon a request in writing by the CIIP Unit, a potential

operator of essential services in Malta shall within twenty (20) days

provide a list of essential services it provides.

(5) The CIIP Unit shall review the list provided pursuant to

sub-article (4), and inform the potential operator of essential services

whether it has been designated as an operator of essential services

pursuant to this article within reasonable time.

(6) A designated operator of essential services shall comply

with the designation notification referred to in sub-article (5) within a

stipulated time as may be directed by the CIIP Unit.

(7) Any undertaking which fails to comply with the CIIP

Unit’s request pursuant to sub-article (4) shall be liable to an

administrative fine in accordance with the procedure under article 19.

(8) The CIIP Unit shall on a regular basis, and at least every

two years after 9 May 2018, review and, where appropriate, update the

list of identified operators of essential services.

Malta Government Gazette — Legal Notice 2018 216 · Gazzetta tal-Gvern ta’ Malta Nru. 20,022– 06.07.2018 — Network and Information Systems Order, 2018

(1) When determining the significance of a disruptive

effect as referred to in article 9(2)(c), the CIIP Unit shall take into

account at least the following cross-sectoral factors

(a) the number of users relying on the service provided

by the entity concerned;

(b) the dependency of other sectors referred to in the

Second Schedule on the service provided by that entity;

(c) the impact that incidents could have, in terms of

degree and duration, on economic and societal activities or

public safety;

(d)

the market share of that entity;

(e) the geographic spread with regard to the area that

could be affected by an incident;

(f) the importance of the entity for maintaining a

sufficient level of the service, taking into account the availability

of alternative means for the provision of that service;

(g) the dependency of a critical infrastructure, critical

information infrastructure, or both, on the service provided by

that entity.

(2) In order to determine whether an incident would have a

significant disruptive effect, the CIIP Unit shall also, where

appropriate, take into account sector-specific factors.

Malta Government Gazette — Legal Notice 2018 216 · Gazzetta tal-Gvern ta’ Malta Nru. 20,022– 06.07.2018 — Network and Information Systems Order, 2018

(1)

The CIIP Unit shall ensure that operators of essential Security

requirements

services

and incident

notification.

(a) take appropriate and proportionate technical and

organisational measures to manage the risks posed to the security

of network and information systems which they use in their

operations. Having regard to the state of the art, those measures

shall ensure a level of security of network and information

systems appropriate to the risk posed;

(b) take appropriate measures to prevent and minimise

the impact of incidents affecting the security of the network and

information systems used for the provision of such essential

services, with a view to ensuring the continuity of those services;

and

(c) appoint a security liaison officer who shall have the

necessary expertise and who shall

(i) facilitate the development, implementation,

maintenance and review of an operator of essential services

preparedness, processes and solutions;

(ii) ensure that an operator of essentials services

conducts and maintains appropriate risk assessments;

(iii) ensure that the operator of essential services

maintains and exercises an operator security plan; and

(iv) act as the point of contact for security related

issues for ensuring the fulfilment of the obligations laid

down in this order between the operator of essential

services and the Critical Information Infrastructure

Protection (CIIP) Unit.

(2) Operators of essential services shall notify the CIIP Unit,

without undue delay, of incidents having a significant impact on the

continuity of the essential services they provide. Notifications shall

include information enabling the CIIP Unit to determine, any local or

cross-border impact of the incident. Notification shall not make the

notifying party subject to increased liability.

(3) In order to determine the significance of the impact of an

incident, the following parameters in particular shall be taken into

account

(a) the number of users affected by the disruption of

essential service;

(b)

the duration of the incident;

(c) the geographical spread with regard to the area

affected by the incident;

(d)

the sectors affected by the disruption of essential

service;

(e) the dependency of a critical infrastructure, critical

information infrastructure, or both, on the disruption of essential

services.

(4) On the basis of the information provided in the notification

by the operator of essential services, the CIIP Unit shall, inform the

other affected Member States if the incident has a significant impact

on the continuity of essential services in that Member State. In so

doing, the CIIP Unit, in accordance with law, shall preserve the

security and commercial interests of the operator of essential services,

as well as the confidentiality of the information provided in its

notification.

Where the circumstances allow, the CIIP Unit shall provide the

notifying operator of essential services with relevant information

regarding the follow-up of its notification, such as information that

could support the effective incident handling.

The CIIP Unit shall forward notifications as referred to in the

first paragraph to single points of contact of other affected Member

States.

(5) Where a designated operator of essential services provides

a service to an undertaking providing electronic communications

networks and, or services in terms of the Electronic Communications Cap. 399.

(Regulation) Act, any security breach affecting such operator of

essential services shall also be notified by the relevant CSIRT to the

Malta Communications Authority

Provided that in this context, in exercising their regulatory

oversight, the CIIP Unit and the Malta Communications Authority

shall consult each other and each shall give due consideration to any

advice that the other may give.

(6) After consulting the notifying operator of essential

services, the CIIP Unit may inform the public about individual

incidents, where public awareness is necessary in order to prevent an

incident or to deal with an ongoing incident.

(7) Any operator of essential services which fails to comply

with the obligations of this article shall be liable to an administrative

fine in accordance with the procedure under article 19.

Malta Government Gazette — Legal Notice 2018 216 · Gazzetta tal-Gvern ta’ Malta Nru. 20,022– 06.07.2018 — Network and Information Systems Order, 2018

(1) The Minister shall ensure that the CIIP Unit has the Implementation

necessary powers and means to assess the compliance of operators of and

enforcement.

essential services with their obligations under article 11 and the effects

thereof on the security of network and information systems.

(2) Upon the request of the CIIP Unit, operators of essential

services shall without undue delay provide

(a) the information necessary to assess the security of

their network and information systems, including documented

security policies;

(b) evidence of the effective implementation of security

policies, such as the results of a security audit carried out by the

CIIP Unit or a qualified auditor and, in the latter case to make the

results thereof, including the underlying evidence, available to

the CIIP Unit.

When requesting such information, the CIIP Unit shall state the

purpose of the request and specify what information is needed.

(3) Following the assessment of information, evidence or

results of security audits referred to in sub-article (2), the CIIP Unit

may issue binding instructions to the operators of essential service to

remedy the deficiencies identified.

(4) The CIIP Unit shall work in close cooperation with the

Data Protection Commissioner when addressing incidents resulting in

personal data breaches.

PART V – SECURITY OF NETWORK AND INFORMATION

SYSTEMS OF DIGITAL SERVICE PROVIDERS

Malta Government Gazette — Legal Notice 2018 216 · Gazzetta tal-Gvern ta’ Malta Nru. 20,022– 06.07.2018 — Network and Information Systems Order, 2018

(1) Digital service providers shall identify and take

appropriate and proportionate technical and organisational measures to

manage the risks posed to the security of network and information

systems which they use in the context of offering services within Malta

referred to in the Third Schedule. Having regard to the state of the art,

those measures shall ensure a level of security of network and

information systems appropriate to the risk posed, and shall take into

account the following elements

(a)

the security of systems and facilities;

(b)

incident handling;

(c)

business continuity management;

(d)

monitoring, auditing and testing;

(e)

compliance with international standards.

(2) Digital service providers shall take measures to prevent and

minimise the impact of incidents affecting the security of their network

and information systems on the services referred to in the Third

Schedule that are offered within Malta, with a view to ensuring the

continuity of those services.

(3) Digital service providers shall without undue delay, notify

the CIIP Unit of any incident having a substantial impact on the

provision of a service as referenced in the Third Schedule that they

offer within Malta. Notifications shall include information to enable

the CIIP Unit to determine the significance of any local and cross-

border impact. Notification shall not make the notifying party subject

to increased liability.

(4) In order to determine whether the impact of an incident is

substantial, the following parameters in particular shall be taken into

account

(a) the number of users affected by the incident, in

particular users relying on the service for the provision of their

own services;

(b)

the duration of the incident;

(c) the geographical spread with regard to the area

affected by the incident;

(d)

the extent of the disruption of the functioning of the

service;

(e) the extent of the impact on economic and societal

activities;

(f) the importance of the entity for maintaining a

sufficient level of the service, taking into account the availability

of alternative means for the provision of that service;

(g) the dependency of a critical infrastructure, critical

information infrastructure, or both, on the service provided by

that entity.

The obligation to notify an incident shall only apply where the

digital service provider has access to the information needed to assess

the impact of an incident against the parameters referred to in the first

paragraph.

(5) Where an operator of essential services relies on a third-

party digital service provider for the provision of a service which is

essential for the maintenance of critical societal and economic

activities, any significant impact on the continuity of the essential

services due to an incident affecting the digital service provider shall

be notified in writing and without undue delay by that operator.

(6) Where appropriate, and in particular if the incident referred

to in sub-article (3) concerns two or more Member States, the CIIP

Unit shall inform the competent authority or CSIRT of the other

affected Member States. In so doing, the CIIP Unit shall, in accordance

with the law, preserve the digital service provider’s security and

commercial interests as well as the confidentiality of the information

provided.

(7)

After consulting the digital service provider concerned, the

CIIP Unit, where appropriate, may inform the public about individual

incidents or require the digital service provider to do so, where public

awareness is necessary in order to prevent an incident or to deal with

an ongoing incident, or where disclosure of the incident is otherwise in

the public interest.

(8) Without prejudice to article 3(4), the CIIP Unit shall not

impose any further security or notification requirements on digital

service providers.

(9) Part V shall not apply to micro and small enterprises as

defined in Commission Recommendation 2003/361/EC.

(10) Any digital service provider which fails to comply with the

obligations set out in this article shall be liable to the imposition of an

administrative fine in accordance with the procedure under article 19.

Malta Government Gazette — Legal Notice 2018 216 · Gazzetta tal-Gvern ta’ Malta Nru. 20,022– 06.07.2018 — Network and Information Systems Order, 2018

(1) The CIIP Unit shall take action, if necessary, through

ex post supervisory measures, when provided with evidence that a

digital service provider does not meet the requirements laid down in

article 13. Such evidence may be submitted by a competent authority

of another Member State where the service is provided by the digital

service provider itself.

(2) For the purposes of sub-article (1), the CIIP Unit shall have

the necessary powers and means to require digital service providers to

(a) provide the information necessary to assess the

security of their network and information systems, including

documented security policies;

(b) remedy any failure to meet the requirements laid

down in article 13.

(3)

Where

(a) a digital service provider has its main establishment

or a representative in Malta, but its network and information

systems is located in one or more Member States; or

(b) a digital service provider has its main establishment

or a representative in a Member State, but its network and

information systems is located in Malta,

the CIIP Unit shall cooperate and assist competent authorities of other

Member States as necessary. Such assistance and cooperation may

cover information exchanges between the CIIP Unit and other Member

State competent authorities concerned and requests to take supervisory

measures referred to in sub-article (2).

Malta Government Gazette — Legal Notice 2018 216 · Gazzetta tal-Gvern ta’ Malta Nru. 20,022– 06.07.2018 — Network and Information Systems Order, 2018

Where a designated digital service provider provides a Malta

service to an undertaking providing electronic communications Communications

Authority.

networks and services in terms of the Electronic Communications

(Regulation) Act, any security breach affecting such digital service Cap. 399.

provider shall also be notified by the relevant CSIRT to the Malta

Communications Authority

Provided that in this context, in exercising their regulatory

oversight, the CIIP Unit and the Malta Communications Authority

shall consult each other and each shall give due consideration to any

advice that the other may give.

Malta Government Gazette — Legal Notice 2018 216 · Gazzetta tal-Gvern ta’ Malta Nru. 20,022– 06.07.2018 — Network and Information Systems Order, 2018

(1)

For the purposes of this order, a digital service Jurisdiction and

provider shall be deemed to be under the jurisdiction of Malta if it has territoriality.

its main establishment in Malta. A digital service provider shall be

deemed to have its main establishment in Malta when it has its head

office in Malta.

(2) A digital service provider that is not established in the

Union, but offers services referred to in the Third Schedule within the

Union, shall be deemed to be under the jurisdiction of Malta where its

representative is established in Malta.

(3) The designation of a representative by the digital service

provider shall be without prejudice to legal actions which could be

initiated against the digital service provider itself.

PART VI - STANDARDISATION AND

VOLUNTARY NOTIFICATION

Malta Government Gazette — Legal Notice 2018 216 · Gazzetta tal-Gvern ta’ Malta Nru. 20,022– 06.07.2018 — Network and Information Systems Order, 2018

In the implementation of article 11(1) and article 13 (1) and Standardisation .

(2), the CIIP Unit shall, without imposing or discriminating in favour of

the use of a particular type of technology, encourage the use of European

or internationally accepted standards and specifications relevant to the

security of network and information systems.

Malta Government Gazette — Legal Notice 2018 216 · Gazzetta tal-Gvern ta’ Malta Nru. 20,022– 06.07.2018 — Network and Information Systems Order, 2018

(1) Entities which have not been identified as operators Voluntary

of essential services and are not digital service providers may notify, notification.

on a voluntary basis, incidents having a significant impact on the

continuity of the services which they provide.

(2) When processing notifications, the CIIP Unit shall act in

accordance with the procedure set out in article 11 and may prioritise

the processing of mandatory notifications over voluntary notifications.

Voluntary notifications shall only be processed where such processing

does not constitute a disproportionate or undue burden on the CIIP

Unit.

Voluntary notification shall not result in the imposition upon the

notifying entity of any obligations to which it would not have been

subject had it not given that notification.

PART VII – ENFORCEMENT AND SANCTIONS

Malta Government Gazette — Legal Notice 2018 216 · Gazzetta tal-Gvern ta’ Malta Nru. 20,022– 06.07.2018 — Network and Information Systems Order, 2018

(1) The CIIP Unit may take the following measures in

respect of any undertaking which infringes any provision of this order

or of any other law which the CIIP Unit is entitled to enforce, or who

fails to comply with any decision given by the CIIP Unit

(a) the imposition of an administrative fine in accordance

with the provisions of this article; and

(b) order the cessation of any act or omission which is in

breach of this order.

(2) The CIIP Unit shall, before proceeding to take any of the

measures under sub-article (1), write to the undertaking concerned,

warning it of the measure that may be taken and the specific reason

why it may be taken, requiring it to cease or rectify its acts or

omissions and, or to make its submissions thereto within such period

not being less than fifteen (15) days which period, without prejudice to

the provisions of sub-article (4), may be abridged if the CIIP Unit

considers that the continuance of the infringement impacts negatively

the effective exercise by the CIIP Unit of its regulatory functions and,

or warrants the immediate intervention of the CIIP Unit

Provided that where the measure is an administrative fine

the undertaking concerned shall also be informed of the amount of the

fine

Provided further that when issuing a warning under this

sub-article, the CIIP Unit may impose such conditions as it may

consider reasonable in the circumstances.

(3) If the undertaking concerned remedies the infringement

within the period established by the CIIP Unit in accordance with sub-

article (2), and agrees in writing to abide with any condition that the

CIIP Unit may impose, the CIIP Unit may at its discretion desist from

proceeding any further, this without prejudice to any regulatory

measures that may have already been imposed.

(4) If after the lapse of the period mentioned in sub-article (3),

the CIIP Unit considers that the undertaking concerned has not given

any valid reasons to demonstrate why no measure should be taken

against it, the CIIP Unit shall notify the undertaking concerned in

writing, specifying the nature of the infringement, stating the measure

being taken, and if the measure is an administrative fine, stating the

amount of the fine being imposed.

(5) Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-article (2), where the

CIIP Unit has prima facie evidence that the infringement represents an

immediate and significant disruptive effect in Malta, the CIIP Unit

may take urgent interim measures to remedy the situation in advance

of reaching a final decision, including ordering the immediate

cessation of the act or omission giving cause to the infringement

Provided that the undertaking which is subject to such

contemplated measures, shall, thereafter, be given a reasonable

opportunity to state its view and propose any remedies

Provided further that the interim measures shall be valid for

a maximum of three months, subject to extension for a further period

of three months, in circumstances where enforcement procedures have

not been completed.

(6) The notification as referred to in sub-article (4) shall, upon

the expiry of the time limit for appeal therefrom, upon the service of a

copy thereof by means of a judicial act on the undertaking indicated in

the notice, constitute an executive title for all effects and purposes of

Title VII of Part I of Book Second of the Code of Organization and Cap. 12.

Civil Procedure

Provided that if the undertaking against which the notice

has been issued, files an appeal before the Tribunal within the twenty

(20) day period referred to under article 22, and concurrently with or

before the filing of its appeal requests the Tribunal to suspend the

effects of the notice, then the CIIP Unit shall desist from issuing a

judicial act as referred to in this sub-article until such time as the

request for suspension has been determined, withdrawn or otherwise

dealt with

Provided further that the Tribunal shall determine any

requests for suspension referred to in this sub-article expeditiously.

Before determining any such request the Tribunal shall give the CIIP

Unit a reasonable opportunity to reply and make its submissions.

(7) The effect of a decision of the CIIP Unit to which an appeal

relates shall not, except where the Tribunal so orders, be suspended in

consequence of the bringing of the appeal.

Malta Government Gazette — Legal Notice 2018 216 · Gazzetta tal-Gvern ta’ Malta Nru. 20,022– 06.07.2018 — Network and Information Systems Order, 2018

(1)

An undertaking which, fails to

(a) implement appropriate and proportionate security

measures pursuant to article 11 and 13; or

(b) fails to cooperate with the CIIP Unit when exercising

its monitoring obligations under this order,

shall be liable to an administrative fine of not less than one thousand

euro (€1000) and not more than one hundred thousand euro (€100,000)

for each violation and one hundred euro (€100) for each day during

which such violation persists, which fine shall be determined and

imposed by the CIIP Unit, in accordance with the procedure under

article 19

Provided that any daily fine imposed may be backdated to

the date of the commission or commencement of the infringement.

(2)

An undertaking which

(a) fails to notify where it ought to have notified an

incident;

(b) fails to comply with a lawful instruction from the

CIIP Unit; or

(c) fails to comply with the provisions of this order other

than those listed under sub-article (1);

shall be liable to an administrative fine of not less than five hundred

euro (€500) and not more than fifty thousand euro ((€50,000) for each

violation and fifty euro (€50) for each day during which such violation

persists, which fine shall be determined and imposed by the CIIP Unit,

in accordance with the procedure under article 19

Provided that any daily fine imposed may be backdated to

the date of the commission or commencement of the infringement.

(3) In determining the amount of an administrative fine, regard

shall be had in particular to the nature and extent of the infringement,

its duration and the impact on critical societal and economic activities.

PART VIII ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW TRIBUNAL

Malta Government Gazette — Legal Notice 2018 216 · Gazzetta tal-Gvern ta’ Malta Nru. 20,022– 06.07.2018 — Network and Information Systems Order, 2018

(1) The Administrative Review Tribunal shall be

competent to hear and determine appeals from decisions of the CIIP

Unit as provided in this order or in any law.

(2) The provisions of the Administrative Justice Act, in so far Cap. 490.

as they apply to the Administrative Review Tribunal, shall apply to

any proceedings before the said Tribunal and the words ‘public

administration’ in the said enactment shall be construed as a reference

to the CIIP Unit.

Malta Government Gazette — Legal Notice 2018 216 · Gazzetta tal-Gvern ta’ Malta Nru. 20,022– 06.07.2018 — Network and Information Systems Order, 2018

(1) The right to appeal to the Tribunal shall be competent Appeals from

decisions.

to any undertaking to which the decision is addressed.

(2) An appeal from a decision of the CIIP Unit shall be made

by application and shall be filed with the Secretary of the Tribunal

within twenty (20) days from the date on which the said decision has

been notified.

Malta Government Gazette — Legal Notice 2018 216 · Gazzetta tal-Gvern ta’ Malta Nru. 20,022– 06.07.2018 — Network and Information Systems Order, 2018

In determining an appeal the Tribunal shall take into Decisions of the

account the merits of the appeal, and may in whole or in part, confirm Tribunal.

or annul the decision appealed from, giving in writing the reasons for

its decision and shall cause such decision to be made public and

communicated to the parties to the appeal.

Gazzetta tal-Gvern ta' Malta — Avviż Legali 2018 216 · Gazzetta tal-Gvern ta’ Malta Nru. 20,022– 06.07.2018 — tan-Netwerks u tas-Sistemi tal-Informazzjoni

11.2005, p. 28).

Id-Direttiva 2002/59/KE tal-Parlament Ewropew u tal-Kunsill tas-27 ta’

Ġunju 2002 li tistabbilixxi sistema għall-monitoraġġ u l-informazzjoni

dwar it-traffiku tal-bastimenti fil-Komunità u li tħassar id-Direttiva tal-

Kunsill 93/75/KEE (ĠU L 208, 5.8.2002, p. 10).

Ir-Regolament ta' Delega tal-Kummissjoni (UE) 2015/962 tat-18 ta’

Diċembru 2014 li jissupplimenta d-Direttiva 2010/40/UE tal-Parlament

Ewropew u tal-Kunsill fir-rigward tal-forniment tas-servizzi ta’ inforazz-

joni dwar it-traffiku f'ħin reali fl-UE kollha (ĠU L 157, 23.6.2015, p. 21).

Id-Direttiva 2010/40/UE tal-Parlament Ewropew u tal-Kunsill tas-7 ta’

Lulju 2010 dwar il-qafas għall-varar ta’ Sistemi ta' Trasport Intelliġenti

fil-qasam tat-trasport bit-triq u għall-interkonnessjonijiet ma’ modi

oħrajn ta' trasport (ĠU L 207, 6.8.2010, p. 1).

Ir-Regolament (UE) Nru 575/2013 tal-Parlament Ewropew u tal-Kunsill

tas-26 ta’ Ġunju 2013 dwar ir-rekwiżiti prudenzjali għall-istituzzjonijiet

ta’ kreditu u d-ditti tal-investiment u li jemenda r-Regolament (UE) Nru

648/2012 (ĠU L 176, 27.6.2013, p. 1).

Id-Direttiva 2014/65/UE tal-Parlament Ewropew u tal-Kunsill tal-15 ta’

Mejju 2014 dwar is-swieq fl-istrumenti finanzjarji u li temenda d-Diret-

tiva 2002/92/KE u d-Direttiva 2011/61/UE (ĠU L 173, 12.6.2014, p.

349).

Ir-Regolament (UE) Nru 648/2012 tal-Parlament Ewropew u tal-Kunsill

tal-4 ta’ Lulju 2012 dwar derivati OTC, kontropartijiet ċentrali u repożi-

torji tad-data dwar it-tranżazzjonijiet (ĠU L 201, 27.7.2012, p. 1).

Id-Direttiva 2011/24/UE tal-Parlament Ewropew u tal-Kunsill tad-9 ta’

Marzu 2011 dwar l-applikazzjoni tad-drittijiet tal-pazjenti fil-qasam tal-

kura tas-saħħa transkonfinali (ĠU L 88, 4.4.2011, p. 45).

Id-Direttiva tal-Kunsill 98/83/KE tat-3 ta’ Novembru 1998 dwar il-

kwaltà tal-ilma maħsub għall-konsum mill-bniedem (ĠU L 330,

5.12.1998, p. 32).

Malta Government Gazette — Legal Notice 2018 216 · Gazzetta tal-Gvern ta’ Malta Nru. 20,022– 06.07.2018 — Network and Information Systems Order, 2018

3.2004, p. 1).

Directive 2012/34/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of

21 November 2012 establishing a single European railway area (OJ L

343, 14.12.2012, p. 32).

Regulation (EC) No 725/2004 of the European Parliament and of the

Council of 31 March 2004 on enhancing ship and port facility security

(OJ L 129, 29.4.2004, p. 6).

Directive 2005/65/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of

26 October 2005 on enhancing port security (OJ L 310, 25.11.2005, p.

28).

Directive 2002/59/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of

27 June 2002 establishing a Community vessel traffic monitoring and

information system and repealing Council Directive 93/75/EEC (OJ L

208, 5.8.2002, p. 10).

Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/962 of 18 December 2014

supplementing Directive 2010/40/EU of the European Parliament and of

the Council with regard to the provision of EU–wide real–time traffic

information services (OJ L 157, 23.6.2015, p. 21).

Directive 2010/40/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7

July 2010 on the framework for the deployment of Intelligent Transport

Systems in the field of road transport and for interfaces with other modes

of transport (OJ L 207, 6.8.2010, p. 1).

Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 of the European Parliament and of the

Council of 26 June 2013 on prudential requirements for credit institu-

tions and investment firms and amending Regulation (EU) No 648/2012

(OJ L 176, 27.6.2013, p. 1).

Directive 2014/65/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of

15 May 2014 on markets in financial instruments and amending Direc-

tive 2002/92/EC and Directive 2011/61/EU (OJ L 173, 12.6.2014, p.

349).

Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 of the European Parliament and of the

Council of 4 July 2012 on OTC derivatives, central counterparties and

trade repositories (OJ L 201, 27.7.2012, p. 1).

Directive 2011/24/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9

March 2011 on the application of patients’ rights in cross–border health-

care (OJ L 88, 4.4.2011, p. 45).

Council Directive 98/83/EC of 3 November 1998 on the quality of water

intended for human consumption (OJ L 330, 5.12.1998, p. 32).

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