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France Orders Rapid-Response Cyber Unit to Protect State Systems

The prime minister has demanded a central frontline team to be mobilised for sensitive breaches in response to a recent rise in intrusions and data leaks.

Overview

  • The prime minister has formally instructed the SGDSN to create a new cyber task force that will intervene on the front line when serious attacks threaten state information systems.
  • The instruction comes with an unusually short deadline: Nicolas Roche has been given three days to set up the unit, according to a letter reported by Le Figaro.
  • The letter says the unit must be immediately mobilisable after any sensitive access violation at a ministry, shifting emergency response powers from individual ministries to a central team.
  • The order criticises that ministries are currently responsible for applying ANSSI cybersecurity guidance and that many do not meet required standards, which the government says justifies central intervention.
  • Key operational details — including staffing, legal authorities, budget and oversight — have not been published, and the move could speed responses to breaches while raising questions about how ministries will cede or share control.