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Securing the Future: Key Insights from the International Industry Engagement Workshop on Cybersecurity

On November 13, 2024, cybersecurity experts, researchers, and industry leaders from Europe gathered in a hybrid format for the International Industry Engagement Workshop on Cybersecurity, hosted as part of the Deep Tech Skills Days 2024. This collaborative session explored today’s trends in cybersecurity and shared a practical example of a cybersecurity platform that assures a 360 degrees protection. 

Engaging Presentations from Industry Leaders & Innovators

Andrei Resmerita (FORT) presentation focused on practical applications of AI in cybersecurity operations. He demonstrated how automated systems can enhance threat detection, streamline response processes, and mitigate insider risks. Andrei’s presentation highlighted the importance of integrating these tools into existing systems to create a seamless and efficient defense infrastructure.

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Tiberiu Baraboi (Expertware) shared insights into the development of advanced cybersecurity training platforms. These platforms emphasize real-world simulation exercises, providing participants with an immersive learning experience to handle sophisticated cyber threats. His presentation also covered tools for incident management and the importance of creating collaborative environments where both academic institutions and enterprises contribute to skill-building.

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Both presenters showcased the necessity of blending innovative technologies with human expertise to create a holistic cybersecurity framework.

Highlights of the Collaborative Discussion

Bridging Education and Industry – the participants emphasized aligning education with industry needs, highlighting the importance of practical, hands-on training in cybersecurity. Simona Ramanuskaite underscored the value of master’s programs and short-term courses, while Tiberiu Baraboi advocated for collaborations between academia and industry to provide students with real-world experience.

Automation and AI in Cybersecurity – Andrei Resmerita highlighted the growing role of automation in cybersecurity, improving efficiency and enabling strategic focus. He emphasized AI as a game-changer, enhancing threat detection and shifting from reactive to predictive security strategies. In the discussion with Umberto Morelli and Tiberiu Baraboi, it emerged that the benefits at the intersection of Cybersecurity and AI for companies might require specific training and/or sharing (potentially anonymised) data with platforms to train them to automatically detect specific threats.

The Evolving Threat Landscape – cybersecurity incidents have grown in complexity, often targeting vulnerabilities in interconnected systems. From insider threats to sophisticated external attacks, the risks are multifaceted. The participants agreed on the critical need for robust incident management systems that integrate real-time monitoring and automated responses. Experts shared insights into tools that enable organizations to detect and respond to security breaches effectively, emphasizing the importance of centralized platforms for streamlined operations.

The Soft Skills Factor – while technical expertise remains fundamental, Ruta Pirta, highlighted the increasing importance of soft skills in cybersecurity roles. Effective communication, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration were identified as critical competencies for addressing both internal and external challenges. The ability to articulate technical solutions in a business context was particularly emphasized as essential for gaining stakeholder buy-in and implementing impactful changes.

Global Collaboration and Regional Challenges – the workshop also explored the role of international cooperation in strengthening cybersecurity frameworks. Tiberiu Baraboi pointed out that collaboration across borders is vital for addressing global threats while tailoring solutions to regional specifics. European initiatives, such as sharing resources and expertise, were seen as key to fostering a unified approach to cybersecurity.

Practical Implementation of Security Measures – throughout the session, there was a strong focus on actionable insights. Tiberiu Baraboi showcased technologies and practices, ranging from advanced threat intelligence platforms to simulation-based training environments. These tools are designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice, providing organizations with scalable and customizable solutions.

Conclusion

The International Industry Engagement Workshop on Cybersecurity proved the platform for knowledge exchange, highlighting the interplay between education, technology, and collaboration in tackling cybersecurity challenges. The need for continuous adaptation to the evolving threat landscape, with innovation at the core of all solutions was mentioned during the workshop.

A recording of the workshop, including all presentations and discussions, is available on the MERIT YouTube channel.

Special thanks to the presenters, experts and participants for their contributions. The workshop marks a step toward building a more cybersecurity friendly and technologically advanced society.