The European Vulnerability Database is now live, marking a big step by ENISA to strengthen cybersecurity across the EU. Built under the NIS2 Directive, this new database offers free, real-time access to critical information on software vulnerabilities affecting IT, OT, and IoT systems.
Designed for both public and private users, the EUVD aims to centralize and simplify access to reliable data on threat exploits and fixes. ENISA says the database brings together reports from vendors, security teams, and global sources like MITRE’s CVE Program and CISA’s KEV catalog. As of 2024, ENISA is also an official CVE Numbering Authority, meaning it can assign CVE IDs directly.
Experts see this as a timely move. Global vulnerability tracking systems like the U.S.-based NVD and CVE Program have faced funding cuts and delays. That’s left many security professionals scrambling for more stable and regionally focused alternatives.
Patrick Garrity from VulnCheck supports the idea, noting that regional control can improve speed and relevance. “The EUVD offers a tailored approach for European stakeholders. It doesn’t replace global efforts, but it complements them well,” he said.
Still, not everyone is fully convinced. Julian Brownlow Davies from Bugcrowd warned that ENISA must go beyond simply mirroring other platforms. He emphasized the need for tight integration and real-time updates to avoid becoming just another data source. “Security teams don’t need more noise—they need clarity,” he noted.
Others are more optimistic. Nathaniel Jones of Darktrace called the EUVD a smart risk management tool. He believes it will help reduce delays in reporting and lower dependence on single sources like the NVD. “Multiple data hubs create resilience. The EUVD adds value by distributing responsibility,” he said.
However, the pressure is on. Competing platforms like VulnCheck already track more vulnerabilities than CISA and the EUVD combined. If ENISA wants the database to remain relevant, it must update regularly, ensure accuracy, and deliver real-time threat intelligence.
In the end, the success of the European Vulnerability Database will depend on ENISA’s ability to maintain trust, reliability, and speed—without adding more complexity to already overwhelmed security teams.
