Estonia

E-ITS (Eesti infoturbestandard — Estonian Information Security Standard) is Estonia’s national information security framework, developed and maintained by the RIA (Riigi Infosüsteemi Amet — Information System Authority). It replaced the previous ISKE (Infosüsteemide kolmeastmeline etalonturbe süsteem) system, which was in effect until 31 December 2022. E-ITS entered into force in December 2022 and is mandatory for all organizations performing public duties in Estonia — state agencies, local governments, and any entity operating information systems essential for the functioning of society. Private organizations may also voluntarily adopt E-ITS to achieve their information security goals. The standard is based on the German BSI IT-Grundschutz baseline protection methodology and is designed to be fully compatible with ISO/IEC 27001 — an audited E-ITS conformity allows organizations to demonstrate compliance equivalent to the international standard. E-ITS presents a baseline protection catalog containing security modules with specific measures, organized by asset type (IT systems, networks, applications, industrial automation, vehicles, etc.). Organizations must identify their assets, determine protection needs, apply the corresponding baseline measures, and undergo periodic audits. Alternatively, organizations may satisfy their obligation by holding a valid ISO/IEC 27001 certificate and submitting it to RIA. The standard is updated annually each autumn to reflect new threats and technological developments, and RIA provides a free support application (based on the 2024 version) to guide implementers through the process.