The Republic of Poland was in an unprecedented state of mobilisation of safety services and public administration. Donald Tusk's government announced the introduction of a second degree of terrorist threat (BRAVO) and a parallel level of BRAVO-CRP for cyberspace throughout the country. This decision marks the launch of the mechanisms provided for by the 2016 Anti-Terrorist Act which change the regular functioning of the state, services and citizens for at least 8 months.
Why Poland introduces the state of BRAVO?
The authoritative justification for the decision is an expanding threat from the Russian Federation and Belaruswho run a coordinated destabilisation campaign. These activities are of a nature Hybrid War, including cyber attacks, infrastructure sabotage, misinformation and intelligence operations.
The government assessed the situation as serious enoughthat emergency safety measures, both physical and digital, have become necessary. BRAVO will be in force until the end of August next year, which means that the state will function in an increased preparedness environment for nearly 8 months.
What does BRAVO mean for citizens?
The most visible manifestation of change will be military scenery of everyday life. Police patrols will appear on the streets of Polish cities Police, Border defender and Military Police armed with automatic rifles and protective equipment.
Their presence will be peculiarly felt in:
- railway stations
- airports
- shopping centres
- near strategical public infrastructure facilities
The intent of this apparent presence is both Increased consequence capacityand building a sense of social security.
Controls and powers of service
Within the BRAVO state, service officers gain extended control powersincluding:
- performance personal checks
- search vehicles
- inspection public buildings
Special attention should be paid to places with advanced concentration of peoplesuch as mass events, sports facilities and cultural institutions.
Safe schools – fresh responsibilities for educational institutions
New measures besides include comprehensive changes in the functioning of the education system. All institutions – from kindergartens to universities – have an work implementation of the ban on unauthorised entry.
For parents and guardians, this means:
- the request to verify identity
- presentation the legitimate intent of the visit
- getting formal consent for entry
Teachers and administrative staff are obliged to be active hazard monitoring and immediate response. This means that pedagogical staff becomes the first line of defence to defend children and youth from possible incidents.
BRAVO-CRP: cyberspace targeted
The second simultaneously launched component of state action is BRAVO-CRP emergency stagefocused on protection of digital infrastructure.
According to the guidelines, all public administrations – from government to municipality – have an obligation:
- strengthening monitoring of ICT systems
- implementation of procedures continuous surveillance
- Prepare for cyber attacks and their effects
Particular attention has been paid to operators:
- energy systems
- telecommunications networks
- public transport and logistics
Technical and personnel readiness
Cybersecurity experts in state institutions and strategical private companies are presently in operation 24/7by carrying out:
- tests of strategy opposition to attacks
- implementation of backup systems
- updating data recovery plans
- verification of emergency communication channels
These are measures to guarantee State continuity Even in the face of hacker attacks or digital sabotage.
New safety standard
The introduction of the condition of BRAVO and BRAVO-CRP is not a temporary situation – this long-term consequence strategy to hybrid threats. In practice, this means that society must prepare to operate under conditions continuous vigilance and advanced control.
For you it is simply a test of the effectiveness of the mechanisms provided for by the Anti-Terrorist Act. For citizens, a change in lifestyle that can take much longer than 8 months.
Perspectives: Is this the beginning of a fresh safety era?
The current situation may become a turning point in the way Poland and another countries of the region approach issues Internal Defence and Cybersecurity. Donald Tusk's decision is not only a consequence to the geopolitical situation, but besides State readiness to operate in a fresh kind of confrontation – outside the conventional battlefield.
It is besides a challenge for civilian society, education, the private sector and anyone whose regular life will be affected by fresh rules.
Read more:
Poland in an emergency state. Government launches unprecedented safety measures
