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COcyber Academic Leader panelist at the Cybersecurity@CEPS Summit 2024

Sat, 01/18/2025 - 05:49
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On December 5, 2024, the Cybersecurity@CEPS Summit brought together policymakers, academics, and industry experts to discuss the future of Europe’s cybersecurity agenda under the theme “New wine in new bottles: what’s next for Europe’s Cybersecurity Agenda?” 

 

Building on a rich history of legislative and non-legislative initiatives, from the NIS Directive in 2016 to the Cybersecurity Act in 2019, the discussions centered on the proposed Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) - the first comprehensive regulation for products with digital elements globally. The event focused on translating these existing policies into actionable steps, tackling challenges like harmonizing regulations, preparing for emerging technological risks, and strengthening Europe’s cyber defenses.

In Session III: Cyber Skills in the EU – Where Do We Stand, Georges Ataya, COcyber Academic Leader, contributed his expertise to the panel. Joined by other thought leaders, including representatives from DG CNECT, ISACA Europe, and the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, the session examined challenges such as workforce shortages, training gaps, and the need for continuous education to keep pace with evolving cyber threats.

COcyber’s mission aligns seamlessly with these themes. Through collaborative workshops and research initiatives, COcyber strives to enhance the capabilities of cybersecurity professionals across Europe. The summit provided an excellent platform to highlight these efforts and to emphasize the importance of cross-sector collaboration.

Highlights from the Summit Sessions

The summit featured five key sessions, each tackling a vital aspect of Europe’s cybersecurity agenda:

  • Session I: Harmonization of International Cybersecurity Regulation
    This session explored the need for alignment in cybersecurity regulations across the EU, featuring insights from experts at the London School of Economics, OECD, Microsoft, and DG CNECT.
  • Session II: Generative AI and Cybersecurity – A Gamechanger for Consumer Protection?
    Panelists examined how advancements in generative AI impact cybersecurity, focusing on both opportunities and risks for consumer protection.
  • Session III: Cyber Skills in the EU – Where Do We Stand?
    This session, featuring COcyber’s Georges Ataya, highlighted the importance of developing and retaining skilled cybersecurity professionals to meet the demands of a digitalized Europe.
  • Session IV: Secure but Open – Opportunities and Challenges in Uplifting Security in Open Source
    Experts discussed the balance between maintaining security and promoting openness in open-source technologies.
  • Session V: Cybersecurity and Defense – Enhancing Europe’s Resilience through Innovation
    The final session focused on the intersection of cybersecurity and defense, emphasizing the importance of innovation in building Europe’s cyber resilience.

The Cybersecurity@CEPS Summit 2024 provided a platform for comprehensive discussions on Europe’s cybersecurity agenda, bringing together diverse perspectives to shape a resilient and secure digital future.

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