Technological Dependence and Digital Prepping: Europe's New Challenge

Technology is no longer just a tool, but a geopolitical weapon. The growing dependence on non-European ICT is highlighting a structural vulnerability that goes far beyond traditional cyber attacks. The unilateral revocation of access to critical technologies could become a concrete threat, with devastating consequences for European digital sovereignty.

From Theory to Practice: Concrete Risk Scenarios

They are no longer just hypotheses. The Kaspersky case in Italy, the temporary blocks on ChatGPT, and the permanent restrictions on DeepSeek show how Data Protection Authorities can intervene. But the most concerning examples come from other areas:

  • The risk that the onboard software of F-35s could be disabled
  • The possibility that Microsoft could block enterprise licenses in case of a diplomatic crisis
  • The potential unavailability of Google cloud services or communication platforms

The US Cloud Act represents a further cause for concern, allowing access to European data stored by US companies. Digital sovereignty is already compromised, and the situation could worsen.

Strategic Response: Digital Prepping

The concept of "digital prepping" is emerging as an essential skill to identify and mitigate these risks. It involves building redundancies and alternatives that allow operations to continue even in the absence of usual services.

Action Plans for Organizations and Individuals

1. Technological Diversification

Relying on a single provider creates a single point of failure. Concrete solutions:

  • Evaluate Linux distributions as alternatives to Windows
  • Consider LibreOffice as an alternative to Microsoft Office
  • Adopt European or open-source cloud solutions

2. Advanced Data Management

The rule "2 = 1 and 1 = 0" implies:

  • Regular backups on offline physical devices
  • Offline copies of critical documents
  • Documented procedures for offline recovery

3. Alternative Connectivity

Options to consider:

  • Mobile hotspots from different operators
  • Satellite connections like Starlink
  • Local mesh networks

4. Threat Awareness

Essential skills:

  • Recognizing phishing attempts
  • Understanding how ransomware works
  • Response protocols for breaches

The European Approach

The European Union is responding with regulatory tools:

These tools are pushing organizations to seriously consider digital prepping as an integral part of their security strategy.

Technological dependence is not just a cybersecurity issue, but a matter of national sovereignty and continental resilience. Digital prepping is no longer an option for a few enthusiasts, but a strategic necessity for everyone.

It's time to act: diversifying technological solutions, proactively protecting data, ensuring alternative connectivity, and developing cybersecurity skills have become the new priorities to address the geopolitical challenges of the 21st century.

The Geopolitical Context and Its Implications

The current situation is not isolated, but part of a global trend where technology becomes a geopolitical battleground. The United States, for example, has already demonstrated the use of technology as a sanction weapon, as in the case of restrictions imposed on Russia and Iran. These countries have experienced interruptions in cloud services, payment platforms, and access to software repositories, which has had a significant impact on their economies and digital infrastructures.

In Europe, awareness of this vulnerability has grown, but change is slow. Many organizations and individuals continue to rely on non-European solutions due to a lack of practical alternatives or habit. However, the increase in geopolitical tensions is pushing more and more entities to seriously consider technological diversification.

The Criticities of Technological Dependence

One of the most concerning aspects of technological dependence is the lack of control over innovation and security. When using solutions from non-European providers, the European Union and its member states must rely on the goodwill of these providers to ensure security updates, technical support, and compliance with local regulations.

For example, the case of the F-35s highlighted how national security can be compromised by technological dependencies. If the onboard software of these aircraft could be disabled or made unupdatable, a country's defensive capabilities could be seriously compromised. This principle also applies to civilian sectors such as healthcare, energy, and transportation, where the interruption of digital services could have catastrophic consequences.

European Technological Solutions

Fortunately, the European Union is making progress in creating technological alternatives. Projects like Gaia-X, a European cloud infrastructure, and initiatives for the development of open-source software are gaining ground. However, these efforts need to be accelerated to reduce dependence on non-European providers.

Another crucial aspect is training and awareness. Many organizations and individuals are not aware of the risks associated with technological dependence. Cybersecurity and digital prepping training programs should be integrated into school and university curricula, as well as corporate training programs.

The Role of Small and Medium Enterprises

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are particularly vulnerable to technological dependence. Often, they do not have the resources to develop internal solutions or to diversify their technological supplies. However, digital prepping is also essential for SMEs. Small steps, such as the adoption of open-source solutions or the creation of regular backups, can make a big difference in operational resilience.

European institutions could support SMEs through funding and incentives for the adoption of European technologies and the diversification of their digital infrastructures. This would not only improve security but also stimulate innovation and the competitiveness of the European market.

The Future of Digital Prepping

Digital prepping is not a temporary solution, but a long-term strategic necessity. As geopolitical tensions continue to grow, the ability to operate independently of foreign providers will become increasingly important. This requires a cultural as well as technological change that puts resilience and digital sovereignty at the center.

Technological dependence is a complex challenge that requires a multifaceted approach. Diversifying technological solutions, proactively protecting data, ensuring alternative connectivity, and developing cybersecurity skills are essential steps to address the geopolitical challenges of the 21st century. The European Union and its member states must act quickly to build a safer and more independent digital future.

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