A secure digital sphere. “Much still needs to be done,” but “international cooperation among like-minded countries has been moving in the right direction”. That’s the thought of Nunzia Ciardi, Deputy Director General of Italy’s National Cybersecurity Agency, who spoke on Tuesday at the CyberTech 2023 in Tel Aviv.
- “The determination to work together in a spirit of mutual trust to make cyberspace a more secure place will require substantial political coordination and support. First and foremost, however, it will require a radical paradigm shift to grasp the disruptive impact of emerging technologies.”
Protecting key assets. Referring to the Nato Cyber Defence Pledge Conference 2022, held in Rome last November, Ms Ciardi emphasised the importance of protecting our critical infrastructure. “Cyberattacks become indeed very sensitive when they address those networks, information systems and services that underpin essential State functions, regarding both national security and key private services,” she argued.
- That prospect becomes “rather disquieting” at the international level, she added, pointing out there are “plenty of reasons” to focus on this sector, as “maintaining critical infrastructures fully operational is key.”
How Italy goes about it. The NCA’s deputy DG went on to explain Italy’s new National Cybersecurity Perimeter, emphasising the importance of a “whole-of-society” approach to cybersecurity. Collaboration between public institutions, the private sector, academia and individual citizens is crucial, she noted, arguing this “should be sustained and promoted by reinforcing trustful relations and partnerships among stakeholders, as well as supporting the development of their digital and cyber capabilities.”
