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Nato cyber-defence funding agreed

Seven Nato countries have agreed to fund the coalition's cyber-defence centre in Estonia, it has emerged.

The sponsors – Estonia, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia and Spain – agreed to finance the international Cyber Defence Management Authority to coordinate online security among member nations.

Its formation was backed by member states at a Nato summit in Bucharest last month.

The Bucharest final declaration against cyber defence stated that Nato remains committed to strengthening key alliance information systems against cyber attacks.

Crippling attacks on Estonia's internet infrastructure triggered the international organisation to call for a thorough assessment of its cyber defence approach.

At Wednesday's signing ceremony, Nato's supreme allied commander General James Mattis said the need for the centre was "compelling".

"It will help Nato defy and successfully counter the threats in this area," he added.

Associated Press reports that the centre is due to gain an online presence in August, before a formal launch next year.