COcyber Batch #2 Ambassadors in the Spotlight: Gabriella Biró

It’s been a full year since COcyber launched its Ambassador Programme, and with two cohorts now completing their journeys, the network keeps growing stronger. The first ambassadors helped shape the dialogue around Europe’s cybersecurity cooperation, and over the past six months, a second group has carried that momentum forward, connecting new voices, new perspectives, and new countries.

Together, the two batches have built a bridge between policy, research, defence, and industry , showing how shared expertise can drive a more resilient digital Europe.

As the second round comes to a close, we look back on the journey of our ambassadors and the insights they’ve shared along the way. In this article, we spoke with Gabriella Biró about her work, her perspective on European cybersecurity, and her message as this six-month chapter concludes.

Q: Who are you, and what is your professional background?

I have been working in IT and cybersecurity for the last two decades in a variety of roles, ranging from consultant to Chief Security Officer, and later as Head of IT Supervision for the entire financial sector at the Central Bank of Hungary. Currently, I work as a freelance IT security expert with a strong background in the security requirements of the financial sector.

I hold an MSc in computer science and a number of professional certifications, including CRISC, CISM, CISA, AAISM, CISSP, CEH, CFE, and CCSP. I am also a doctoral student in Military Engineering at the Ludovika University of Public Service, where I teach as an assistant lecturer.

Alongside my professional work, I serve as Board Member of both the ISC2 Hungary Chapter and ISACA Hungary Chapter, and I am the EU Regional SheLeadsTech Coordinator of ISACA. I also co-founded and currently preside over  WITSEC – Women in IT Security. an organisation promoting women’s visibility and participation in cybersecurity.

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

I have been part of the European cybersecurity ecosystem for many years through my involvement in both global and regional organisations. As the EU Regional Coordinator for ISACA’s SheLeadsTech initiative, I regularly collaborate with European ISACA chapters, helping to strengthen diversity and inclusion in cybersecurity leadership.

Recently, I joined the ISC2 Chapter Regional Management Committee (EMEA subcommittee), where I contribute to shaping chapter engagement across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. I am also an active EU expert and a member of the EU CyberNet network of experts, which connects professionals across Europe and beyond to support cybersecurity policy and capacity building.

In my previous institutional roles, I participated in EU-level working groups and built a wide network of experts and peers who continue to collaborate on European cybersecurity challenges.

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

In my view, one of the main challenges is that civilian and defence professionals often don’t speak the same language. This lack of common understanding makes it difficult to learn from one another or even to grasp the tools, methodologies, and priorities of the other side.

As someone with a civilian background pursuing a PhD in military engineering, I have experienced this gap first-hand. Even accessing non-classified information from the defence sector can be complex, and differences in terminology and experience frequently hinder meaningful exchange.

I strongly believe in dual-use technology and civil–defence collaboration, and I am personally committed to contributing to this dialogue. The potential for shared innovation and capacity-building between these sectors is enormous — but it requires consistent effort, trust, and mutual comprehension.

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

For me, cooperation and communication are the two essential steps. The more trusted contacts we create, the more resilient our collective network becomes.

Technology evolves at such a fast pace, and the information landscape is so saturated, that no one can keep up alone. What makes the difference is having a reliable network of experts we can depend on — people who know their domain deeply and can help the rest of us navigate it safely.

Strengthening these connections across civilian, defence, and private sectors will ensure that Europe’s cybersecurity community remains informed, agile, and united in the face of new threats.

Q: 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?

My experience as a CoCyber Ambassador not only aligned with my expectations, but exceeded them in many ways. I anticipated a meaningful professional journey, but I gained far more: a vibrant international community, practical insights, and real impact opportunities.

I especially valued the collaborative spirit and the chance to sharpen my perspective on cyber resilience. Looking back, I feel proud of the contributions we made together. Although the journey is ending, the connections, knowledge, and motivation will stay with me — and continue to shape my work in the cybersecurity field.