Table of contents
- AgID: What it is and its objectives
- AgID’s role in cyber security
- AgID guidelines and the Digital Administration Code
- Key AgID projects
- The future of digital transition in Italy
The AgID (Agenzia per l’Italia Digitale) plays a crucial role in the digital transition of digital public administration in Italy.
Operating under the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, it defines strategies, regulations, and technological infrastructures to improve cyber security, the provision of digital services, and interoperability among public entities and private subjects.
In this article, we will explore its role, main functions, and impact on cyber security.
AgID: What it is and its objectives
The Agenzia per l’Italia Digitale (AgID) is a public entity essential for the digital transition of the country. Established under the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, it is responsible for ensuring digital innovation and the adoption of technologies in digital public administration, promoting efficiency and accessibility in public services.
The AgID is tasked with defining technical rules for the development and security of information systems, ensuring that public administration websites comply with national and European standards. It also coordinates the implementation of key digital infrastructures, such as:
- Anagrafe Nazionale della Popolazione Residente (ANPR)
A centralized database to improve citizen registry management;
- SPID (Public Digital Identity System)
A unified authentication system for accessing public services;
- PagoPA
The digital payment platform for public entities;
- Digital signature
A technology for legally certifying electronic documents.
Beyond managing existing infrastructures, AgID leads digital public administration towards cloud computing, ensuring the protection and optimal management of data through the National Strategic Hub (PSN).
Its work is closely connected with the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), which funds projects to strengthen cyber security and the provision of digital services.
AgID’s role in cyber security
One of the fundamental aspects of the Agenzia per l’Italia Digitale is cyber security. AgID collaborates with the National Cyber security Agency to monitor and prevent cyberattacks on critical infrastructures in digital public administration.
Its role is crucial in ensuring the protection of information systems and defining effective defense strategies to mitigate cyber risks.
Specifically, the CERT AgID (Computer Emergency Response Team) is responsible for managing cyber security incidents for public entities and private subjects interacting with the PA.
This organization analyzes threats, provides technical support, and publishes reports on information system security. Additionally, CERT AgID offers guidelines and tools for preventing cyber vulnerabilities, promoting advanced security practices such as proactive threat management, continuous network monitoring, and rapid response to cyberattacks.
Moreover, AgID closely collaborates with other governmental and international organizations to implement shared cyber security standards, contributing to the creation of a more secure and resilient digital ecosystem.
Initiatives include promoting digital signatures, adopting secure cloud infrastructures, and developing sensitive data protection strategies to ensure safe access to digital public services.
AgID guidelines and the Digital Administration Code
The AgID guidelines establish technical and regulatory standards for PA digitalization, ensuring compliance with the Digital Administration Code (CAD). These guidelines define:
- Security requirements for public administration websites;
- Methods for accessing digital services through digital identities, both public and private;
- Best practices for data storage and management;
- The use of digital signatures for certifying electronic documents.
Key AgID projects
AgID promotes various strategic projects to improve digital administration in Italy:
- SPID
A digital identity system for accessing PA online services;
- PagoPA
A payment platform for public entities;
- ANPR
A digital registry of the resident population;
- National Strategic Hub (PSN)
A cloud infrastructure for secure public data management;
- Three-Year Plan for IT
A strategic plan for PA innovation.
The future of digital transition in Italy
The Agenzia per l’Italia Digitale is a key player in the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), with significant investments in cyber security, PA information systems digitalization, and digital service delivery.
Its work is essential to ensure an efficient and secure digital public administration, capable of meeting the needs of citizens and businesses.
Questions and answers
- What is AgID?
AgID is the public entity responsible for the digital transition of digital public administration in Italy. - What is AgID’s role in cyber security?
AgID collaborates with CERT AgID and ACN to protect PA digital infrastructures. - What are the AgID guidelines?
The AgID guidelines establish technical rules for PA digitalization and security. - 4What are AgID’s key projects?
Key projects include SPID, PagoPA, ANPR, the National Strategic Hub, and the Three-Year IT Plan. - What is the relationship between AgID and the Digital Administration Code?
AgID implements the Digital Administration Code, which regulates PA digitalization. - What is the function of CERT AgID?
CERT AgID manages PA cyber security and prevents cyberattacks. - How does AgID improve public administration websites?
By defining standards and strategies for digital public administration, ensuring security and interoperability. - Is the SPID digital identity system mandatory?
SPID is the standard system for accessing PA online services and many private companies. - Which entities must follow AgID guidelines?
All public entities and private subjects providing digital services for PA. - What is the PNRR’s impact on PA digitalization?
The PNRR invests in digital transition, improving infrastructures, cyber security, and public services.
