NATO, EU and Industry Leaders Highlight the Strategic Importance of Trusted Data and Data-Centric Security

• Trusted data has become a strategic prerequisite for operational effectiveness and mission success
• Modern defense operations require secure information sharing across NATO, EU, and Allied environments
• Data-Centric Security is becoming increasingly important as an enabler of digital transformation, interoperability, and collaboration

Operational effectiveness increasingly depends on trusted data. During a joint congress organized by AFCEA Europe, infodas and with support from leading companies, representatives from NATO, the European Union, and industry emphasized this message, highlighting the growing importance of data-centric security (DCS) in enabling decision advantage, secure collaboration, and resilient defense capabilities.

As defense organizations accelerate their digital transformation and expand their use of artificial intelligence, their ability to trust, protect and share data is becoming increasingly critical. In modern multi-domain operations, merely protecting the network alone is no longer sufficient. Mission-critical information must traverse securely across NATO, EU and allied systems without compromising integrity or control. Security must follow the data. This makes data-centric security a key enabler of trusted collaboration, interoperability and data-driven decision-making.

Although each speaker approached the topic from a different perspective, they all emphasized the growing need for trusted data, secure collaboration, and interoperable capabilities across the defense ecosystem.

Trusted Data as a Driver of Operational Effectiveness

“When operational effectiveness, decision advantage and trusted data come together, operational effectiveness increases. This is driven by trusted data, a sound decision cycle and rapid execution after a decision has been made. Today, all of this must happen at the speed of relevance. With technologies such as artificial intelligence, the time between a decision at the highest level and execution on the battlefield is becoming extremely short.” (Gen. Bart Laurent, Military Expert to the Director Crisis Response Center, EU External Action Service)

Data as the Foundation of Digital Transformation

“The importance of data cannot be overstated. Sometimes organizations focus heavily on governance and processes, which are important, but the key message for senior leaders is simple: Data is the real opportunity. The transformation is not driven by the latest AI models alone. It starts with understanding, managing and trusting data. Organizations need to focus on how they collect, share and use data, while building trust across teams and partners. This is what enables data-centric security.” (Col. Arnel David, Director Task Force MAVEN, NATO SHAPE)

Data-Centric Security as an Enabler of Digital Transformation

“NATO’s digital transformation is an ongoing journey that started in 2022, with resilience, security, interoperability, data-driven decision-making and the responsible use of AI as key elements. Data-centric security (DCS) and zero trust (ZT) approaches are important enablers of secure and effective digital transformation. DCS and ZT are equally important outside the defense sector as well. To develop and field innovative, interoperable capabilities more rapidly, NATO benefits from appropriate early engagement with industry, including in areas related to standardization and innovation. Industry brings valuable expertise, practical perspectives and new ideas to help address current and emerging challenges. Bringing industry and NATO’s standardization communities together can accelerate progress and support the faster implementation of new capabilities. Events such as the Data-Centric Security Deep Dive in Brussels provide a valuable platform for this kind of collaboration and exchange of ideas.“ (Dr. Gernot Friedrich, Head of Interoperability and Standardization, NATO HQ)

Strengthening Cooperation Across the Defense Community

“There is a growing need for stronger collaboration across the defense community. As technological change accelerates and security challenges become more complex, alliances and organizations such as NATO and the European Union must work together more closely. Transatlantic cooperation is essential to keep allies and partners aligned, share expertise and respond effectively to evolving requirements.” (Rear Adm. Massimo Esposito, General Manager, AFCEA Europe)

Protecting Mission-Critical Information in High Security Environments

“At infodas, protecting mission-critical and classified information has always been part of our DNA. With more than two decades of experience, we are a pioneer in data-centric security. Today, we are the only company with a metadata confidentiality labeling solution approved DEU SECRET, EU SECRET and NATO SECRET environments. This unique expertise enables us to stay at the forefront of technology and support organizations in protecting their most sensitive and critical data.” (Dr. Fulvio Arreghini, Director Sales, infodas)

The Data-Centric Security Deep Dive, held in Brussels, brought together representatives from NATO, the European Union, industry and professional associations to exchange perspectives on trusted data, secure information-sharing and digital transformation. Organized by AFCEA Europe, infodas and with support by leading companies (Airbus, Dataminr, Esri, Mattermost, Osavul, Psiphon, Seclous and Stormshield), the event provided a platform for dialogue on the future of data-centric security across the defense community