#Czech Republic #Brno #DNS4EU #Whalebone

DNS4EU Launch: A New Chapter in EU Cybersecurity

On June 18, 2025, the launch of DNS4EU signaled a significant advancement in the European Union's digital sovereignty vision. This public DNS resolver aims to provide EU citizens with a secure, privacy-respecting, and reliable internet access solution. Brought to life by Whalebone — a cybersecurity firm based in Brno — DNS4EU is set against the backdrop of one of Europe’s most vibrant centers for digital innovation and cybersecurity resilience.

Overview of DNS4EU

DNS4EU has been developed within a European consortium and is supported by ENISA, along with national CERTs. It stands as the first EU-endorsed DNS resolver, presenting a secure, transparent, and privacy-oriented alternative to well-known services like Google and Cloudflare. DNS4EU encompasses a variety of components, including:

• - A public resolver: for general EU citizens.
• - DNS4GOV: a service tailored for governmental bodies and critical infrastructures, ensuring high standards and reliability.
• - Threat Intelligence Exchange Network: a platform for sharing threat information to boost the adoption of secure DNS practices and enhance cross-border cybersecurity collaboration.

Richard Malovič, CEO of Whalebone, stated, “After years of hard work aiming to be a global leader in large-scale DNS deployments, we are excited to challenge big players like Cloudflare and Google. We focus on offering greater privacy, transparency, and commitment.”

The Role of Brno in Cybersecurity

This launch underlines the emerging role of the Czech Republic in the cybersecurity landscape of Europe. Brno is home to a thriving community of cybersecurity firms and collaborative environments with far-reaching global impacts. Noteworthy institutions such as Masaryk University and Brno University of Technology lead significant European cybersecurity initiatives like QARC and CCAT. These projects highlight the region's expertise in cryptography and quantum security certification, establishing Brno as a central hub for cybersecurity research.

According to a recent report by the JIC (South Moravian Innovation Centre), the cybersecurity sector is the most dynamic technological landscape in the region in terms of venture capital investments. By early 2025, local companies had raised nearly €40 million, including funds secured by Whalebone, Threatmark, and Safetica. This effort aligns with Brno’s initiatives that have positioned it on the international stage, demonstrated by the $28.4 million acquisition of Runecast and the sale of Flowmon Networks. Additionally, AVG Technologies, the Czech Republic's first unicorn, was acquired by Avast in 2016 and now operates globally under the name Gen.

Petr Chládek, CEO of the JIC, commented, “Brno’s success in cybersecurity stems from in-depth research, recognized talent, and strategic support for young enterprises. DNS4EU proves that the region can provide digital sovereignty at the European level.”

Conclusion

The introduction of DNS4EU is not just a technical advancement; it reflects Brno's broader commitment to strengthen cybersecurity in Europe. By offering enhanced privacy and a reliable internet experience, it marks a critical step toward realizing a digitally sovereign EU. With an ecosystem buzzing with innovation and collaboration, the future looks promising for cybersecurity solutions originating from Brno, establishing it as a key player on the global stage.