COcyber Batch #1 Ambassadors in the Spotlight: Selene Giupponi

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 Selene Giupponi to hear about her experience, her views on European cybersecurity, and her message as this six-month journey comes to an end.

Who are you, and what is your professional background?

I am a cybersecurity specialist with a focus on digital investigations and cyber intelligence. I hold a degree in Computer Engineering from La Sapienza University and a master’s in digital forensics. Early in my career, I worked on cases involving mobile forensics, cybercrime, and corporate security, gaining experience in both technical and legal contexts. I’ve also served as an expert witness in international cases and regularly lecture at universities and law enforcement academies.

Currently, I am Managing Director for Europe at Resecurity Inc., a company specialised in cyber threat intelligence and dark web monitoring. I was one of the founding members of ECSO and hold leadership roles in Women4Cyber Italy and the Women4Cyber Foundation. My work bridges operations, education, and policy, with a strong focus on international collaboration and cybersecurity awareness.

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

I have been actively involved in the European cybersecurity sector since 2011. As a freelance IT engineer specializing in cybersecurity and digital forensics, I have provided advisory and consultancy services to a variety of public entities, private organizations, and institutions across Europe. My role has included conducting digital forensics investigations, including malware analysis, reverse engineering, and examining data from devices ranging from mainframes and mobile phones to drones and industrial systems (SCADA). I am also an active member of the Information Engineering Commission of the Engineers of the Province of Latina.

Additionally, I have led multiple training courses for local authorities, organizations, and private businesses, raising awareness on information security and cybersecurity best practices. I have further extended my expertise through participation in various international conferences and workshops, particularly focusing on advanced topics such as cyber threat intelligence, modern malware warfare, and ICS/SCADA security. My involvement with European cybersecurity also extends to collaboration with law enforcement and regulatory bodies to define and shape legislative approaches to digital forensics and cybersecurity.

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

One of the primary challenges in the collaboration between civilian and defense cybersecurity sectors in Europe lies in the differing priorities and approaches of each domain. Civilian organizations often focus on protecting critical infrastructure and private-sector data from cybercriminals, while defense agencies are primarily concerned with national security and the defense against state-sponsored cyberattacks. This discrepancy in objectives can lead to challenges in aligning strategies and resources.

The exchange of information between civilian and defense sectors is often limited by privacy concerns, legal frameworks, and institutional silos. Restrictions related to confidentiality, jurisdiction, and the sensitivity of data make cooperation difficult, especially when defense agencies prioritise national security while civilian entities focus on individual rights. These challenges are compounded by differences in skills and technologies: the civilian sector addresses broader cybersecurity issues, while defense uses highly specialised tools. Bridging the gap requires standardised processes, shared methodologies, and political will—often hindered by fragmented governance, conflicting priorities, and limited funding across EU member states.

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

To address the challenges in civilian and defense cybersecurity collaboration, I believe several crucial steps must be taken. First, establishing a shared cybersecurity framework is essential. This framework should outline common goals, standardized practices, and best practices for collaboration between the two sectors, including protocols for data sharing and incident response.

Second, promoting cross-sector training and knowledge-sharing initiatives is crucial to building trust and understanding between civilian and defense professionals. By fostering a culture of collaboration and ensuring that personnel from both sectors are trained in common cybersecurity practices, the gap in skillsets and technology can be reduced. 

Third, addressing legal and privacy concerns will be key to facilitating better collaboration. Clear guidelines for data sharing and cross-border cooperation must be established, particularly in relation to privacy laws such as the GDPR. Ensuring that both sectors are compliant with relevant regulations will help improve the efficiency of joint efforts. Finally, investing in research and development for joint cybersecurity technologies is important, as funding joint cybersecurity initiatives and technologies can provide both sectors with the tools they need to combat emerging cyber threats effectively.