Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of economic competitiveness, public service delivery, and national security. At the same time, it introduces new systemic risks to cybersecurity, privacy, and societal trust. This paper, developed under the Charter of Trust’s Principle 3 “Security by Default”, addresses this dual challenge: securing AI systems throughout their lifecycle while responsibly leveraging AI to strengthen cybersecurity.
Aligned with the Charter of Trust’s overarching goals—to protect data, prevent harm to people and infrastructure, and establish a reliable foundation for trust in a digital world—the paper outlines how Security by Default can operationalize Trustworthy AI. It positions security not as a reactive compliance exercise, but as an inherent, continuously enforced design principle that enables innovation while safeguarding resilience, transparency, and accountability.
Against a backdrop of increasing geopolitical competition, fragmented regulatory regimes, and accelerating AI adoption, the paper highlights the strategic importance of trust as a differentiator for organizations and societies alike. It examines key governance, technical, and regulatory risks surrounding AI, and underscores the need for coherent governance models that integrate cybersecurity, privacy, and ethical considerations from design through deployment and operation.
Building on the Charter of Trust’s prior work, the paper provides a high-level framework for embedding Security by Default across the AI lifecycle, aligned with emerging global regulations such as the European Union (EU) AI Act. It also demonstrates how AI, when securely designed and governed, can serve as a powerful enabler of cybersecurity—enhancing threat detection, incident response, and risk management.
Ultimately, the paper reinforces the Charter of Trust’s conviction that trust, security, and innovation must advance together. By embedding Security by Default and Trustworthy AI principles at the core of AI development and use, organizations can strengthen digital trust, improve resilience, and contribute to a safer and more reliable digital future.
Please download the full report below.
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Security by Default in view of major Cybersecurity Regulations
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Security by Default
Security by Default in view of major Cybersecurity Regulations
Navigate the Cybersecurity Regulation Maze with Ease
The Charter of Trust is here to simplify the complexity and guide you through the ever-evolving regulatory landscape.
In today's digitized world, cybersecurity plays a pivotal role in maintaining global stability, economic resilience, and individual privacy. Various regulations have been implemented to safeguard individuals, businesses, and infrastructure from ever-evolving cyber threats. Each regulation, while differing in scope and focus by region, aims to protect against breaches, data leaks, and other malicious activities that could disrupt operations and compromise sensitive information.
At the heart of the Charter of Trust lies a commitment to sharing best practices. Our Security by Default Working Group has meticulously analyzed vast amounts of regulatory texts to provide a clear and concise overview of security by default adoption across key global regions.
Stay Ahead of Cyber Risks with Expert Insights
Our latest report is a vital resource for organizations aiming to effectively manage cybersecurity risks and protect their assets. Covering major regulations from the European Union, India, Japan, People's Republic of China, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States, this report offers valuable insights into compliance requirements worldwide.
The principle of Security by Default, as advocated by the Charter of Trust, provides a universal standard for organizations to meet compliance requirements effectively. By embedding security measures from the outset, organizations can ensure compliance with regulations, foster trust with customers, safeguard their operations, and strengthen their market position. This approach not only helps organizations meet their legal obligations but also enhances their reputation and competitive advantage.
Strengthen Compliance, Build Trust, and Gain a Competitive Edge
By embedding security measures from the outset, businesses can:
- Ensure compliance with international regulations
- Build and maintain trust with customers and stakeholders
- Safeguard operations from cybersecurity threats
- Strengthen their market position with a proactive security approach
The publication shows that regulators worldwide have taken different approaches to pursuing common cybersecurity goals, leading to varied and sometimes conflicting regulatory frameworks. This complexity can make it challenging for organizations to navigate the cybersecurity landscape and ensure compliance with all relevant regulations.
This document serves as a roadmap to better navigate this complex landscape, thereby highlighting the benefits of aligning current cybersecurity regulations worldwide. It supports the Charter of Trust's mission to create a secure digital environment for innovation. By following the guidelines outlined in this document, organizations can effectively manage their cybersecurity risks, protect their assets, and contribute to a more secure digital world.
Don't get lost in the regulatory jungle — get the clarity you need today and download the full report below
The Charter of Trust is here to simplify the complexity and guide you through the ever-evolving regulatory landscape.
In today's digitized world, cybersecurity plays a pivotal role in maintaining global stability, economic resilience, and individual privacy. Various regulations have been implemented to safeguard individuals, businesses, and infrastructure from ever-evolving cyber threats. Each regulation, while differing in scope and focus by region, aims to protect against breaches, data leaks, and other malicious activities that could disrupt operations and compromise sensitive information.
At the heart of the Charter of Trust lies a commitment to sharing best practices. Our Security by Default Working Group has meticulously analyzed vast amounts of regulatory texts to provide a clear and concise overview of security by default adoption across key global regions.
Stay Ahead of Cyber Risks with Expert Insights
Our latest report is a vital resource for organizations aiming to effectively manage cybersecurity risks and protect their assets. Covering major regulations from the European Union, India, Japan, People's Republic of China, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States, this report offers valuable insights into compliance requirements worldwide.
The principle of Security by Default, as advocated by the Charter of Trust, provides a universal standard for organizations to meet compliance requirements effectively. By embedding security measures from the outset, organizations can ensure compliance with regulations, foster trust with customers, safeguard their operations, and strengthen their market position. This approach not only helps organizations meet their legal obligations but also enhances their reputation and competitive advantage.
Strengthen Compliance, Build Trust, and Gain a Competitive Edge
By embedding security measures from the outset, businesses can:
- Ensure compliance with international regulations
- Build and maintain trust with customers and stakeholders
- Safeguard operations from cybersecurity threats
- Strengthen their market position with a proactive security approach
The publication shows that regulators worldwide have taken different approaches to pursuing common cybersecurity goals, leading to varied and sometimes conflicting regulatory frameworks. This complexity can make it challenging for organizations to navigate the cybersecurity landscape and ensure compliance with all relevant regulations.
This document serves as a roadmap to better navigate this complex landscape, thereby highlighting the benefits of aligning current cybersecurity regulations worldwide. It supports the Charter of Trust's mission to create a secure digital environment for innovation. By following the guidelines outlined in this document, organizations can effectively manage their cybersecurity risks, protect their assets, and contribute to a more secure digital world.
Don't get lost in the regulatory jungle — get the clarity you need today and download the full report below
Read more
February 13, 2025
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External Engagement
Harmonising Regulation - a CoT perspective
In response to rising cyber threats, governments are enacting new cybersecurity laws and regulations, with some, like the United States (US), moving from voluntary public-private partnerships to more stringent regulatory approaches, while others, like the European Union (EU), are updating existing regulations (e.g. the Network and Information Security (NIS) Directive 2, or NIS 2) and creating new ones (e.g., Cyber Resilience Act, CRA). These efforts often set precedents for other nations, but the lack of international coordination in cybersecurity regulation remains a challenge. This fragmentation, coupled with shortages of cybersecurity talent, risks diverting resources from essential cyber defense to compliance, potentially increasing costs, complexity, and undermining resilience and innovation. Some solutions include reciprocity agreements, adopting international standards, and leveraging third-party assessments to streamline regulations and improve global alignment.
To read the full publication, see the download link below.
To read the full publication, see the download link below.
Read more
October 15, 2024
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External Engagement
Charter of Trust Cybersecurity Policy Manifesto
The Charter of Trust presents this Manifesto as a call to action for Policymakers to join forces in the pursuit of a secure and resilient digital environment. As a collective of leading technology, cybersecurity, and industry stakeholders, we believe that a united and collaborative approach is essential for effectively combating cyber threats that endanger the security, privacy, and prosperity of our societies.
Our vision is to establish a strong, secure, and resilient digital Europe that fosters innovation, economic growth, and social progress while protecting individual rights and safeguarding the values of a democratic society.
Our vision is to establish a strong, secure, and resilient digital Europe that fosters innovation, economic growth, and social progress while protecting individual rights and safeguarding the values of a democratic society.
Read more
April 12, 2024
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