COcyber Batch #1 Ambassadors in the Spotlight: Antonio Grasso

Six months ago, the COcyber project launched the first round of its Ambassador Programme, an initiative designed to strengthen communication and engagement across Europe’s cybersecurity ecosystem. The programme brought external voices into the project’s outreach efforts, inviting experienced professionals to contribute through public dialogue, community engagement, and strategic insights.

As the first ambassador cohort concludes its mission, we’re taking time to reflect on each of their contributions, perspectives, and what they see as key priorities going forward.

In this article, we spoke with Antonio Grasso to hear about his experience, his views on European cybersecurity, and his message as this six-month journey comes to an end.

Who are you, and what is your professional background?

I am the Founder and CEO of Digital Business Innovation Srl, a company focused on the development and promotion of AI, blockchain, IoT, and cybersecurity solutions. With over 40 years of experience in information technology, I work as a technologist, author, and global speaker, helping both public institutions and private enterprises navigate digital transformation.

In 2024, I was granted a patent in Generative AI and was named a Fellow of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce. I contribute to European Commission initiatives such as Next Generation Internet and AI4EU, and serve as a global mentor for startups through the World Business Angels Investment Forum. My focus is always on responsible innovation and inclusive progress.

Since when and how are you involved in the European cybersecurity sector?

Over the past several years, I’ve been involved in European cybersecurity efforts through advocacy and engagement roles, including as a Digital EU Ambassador. In this capacity, I help promote cybersecurity awareness among businesses and support the integration of cybersecurity into broader digital transformation strategies.

I place particular emphasis on reaching smaller organisations and helping them understand how to implement meaningful security measures. For me, cybersecurity is not just a technical aspect, it’s a cultural and strategic one that must be addressed across all levels of society, from executive boards to individual employees.

From your perspective, what are the main challenges in the collaboration of the civilian and defence cybersecurity sector in Europe?

One of the biggest challenges lies in reconciling the differing priorities and operating environments of civilian and defence stakeholders. Civilian organisations are typically focused on ensuring service continuity and user protection, while defence entities work within classified structures aimed at national security and military resilience. These differences make alignment difficult.

Regulatory complexity also plays a role. Civilian systems are subject to transparency and privacy laws like the GDPR, while defence structures function under secrecy and classified protocols. As a result, it’s hard to build trust and even harder to create clear, structured pathways for information exchange or joint action—especially for SMEs and non-institutional actors who are unsure of how or where to engage.

Again, from your perspective, what are the most crucial steps to address these challenges and strengthen Europe’s joint digital safety efforts?

First, we need to improve legal and regulatory coherence. Establishing joint cybersecurity frameworks and secure collaboration protocols would help bridge the divide between civilian and defence sectors while respecting the unique responsibilities of each. Clearer structures would also allow for more timely and effective responses to complex threats.

Second, it’s important to invest in cross-sector training, capacity-building, and inclusive dialogue. We must help all actors—especially smaller ones—understand their role in Europe’s cybersecurity strategy. Cybersecurity should not be treated as a technical niche but as a foundational pillar of digital innovation, business resilience, and public trust. If we promote shared responsibility and practical cooperation, we can build a stronger, more integrated digital defence posture for Europe.

Did your experience as a COcyber Ambassador align with what you expected at the beginning and what are your key reflections now that the journey is ending?

Yes, very much so. Over the past six months, I have had the opportunity to explore a wide range of valuable materials shared by the COcyber initiative. The “Bridging Gaps” Needs Assessment Report was particularly insightful, offering a clear view of the challenges in aligning civilian and defence approaches to cybersecurity, along with a well-structured roadmap to support better cooperation. I also found the PESTEL analysis extremely useful for understanding how political, economic, and legal factors influence the broader cybersecurity landscape in Europe.

Beyond the content itself, what made the experience especially meaningful was the chance to engage with other experts from different sectors and countries. The exchange of ideas, experiences, and viewpoints was enriching and gave me new perspectives on how cybersecurity can be integrated more effectively into digital strategies.

Overall, being part of the Ambassador Programme was a valuable professional journey—full of learning, reflection, and meaningful connections. I'm grateful for the experience and look forward to applying what I’ve learned in future projects.