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Good evening, everyone.
I also welcome you to today's ceremony, which marks - and celebrates, I would say - a very important development for the creation of an integrated cybersecurity ecosystem in our country.
The designation of the Digital Security Authority as the National Cybersecurity Coordination Center (NCC-CY) comes to complement a complex web of initiatives through which to ensure the shielding, resilience and sustainability not only of critical infrastructure but of the economy in general - and George has rightly noted - of our country's society against the ever-increasing threats and attacks in cyberspace.
By 2025, economic losses due to cybercrime are estimated to increase to $10.5 trillion globally, while the global cybersecurity market is estimated to grow to $270 billion by 2026, up from $170 billion in 2020. The numbers change from survey to survey, but they highlight the same thing: the seriousness of the issue.
Businesses themselves rank cybersecurity among the top four risks for the coming year, according to a global survey of CEOs by PwC. Indeed, the current timing is particularly significant for the sector. The main reason is the development of artificial intelligence, which is expected to lead to an even greater increase in both the frequency and effectiveness of cyber attacks, creating new complexities and points of vulnerability. What has always been the weak link in the chain of any cyber defence, the human factor, is now becoming even more vulnerable with the advent of deepfakes and genetic artificial intelligence.
The truth is that as the capabilities of technology expand and digital transformation intensifies, so will the threats increase and evolve. A holistic approach to cybersecurity is therefore becoming a non-negotiable priority for everyone - public organisations, businesses and citizens alike. An integrated strategic approach that includes structures and measures for systematic cybersecurity prevention and management, as well as measures to respond and react to cybersecurity incidents. This is the approach we are following as a Deputy Ministry to shield the critical infrastructure of the state, through the development of a horizontal cybersecurity framework for the public sector, and at the same time having integrated security as a necessary parameter in the design and implementation of the technological projects we implement.
The same approach should be followed by every organization, so that it can develop its operations safely in the complex environment of opportunities and risks of the digital era.
Let us not forget that 99% of businesses in our country are SMEs, many of which have not yet fully integrated technological upgrading into their strategic priorities and therefore need help in terms of cyber defence. The multi-dimensional action developed by the National Cyber Security Coordination Centre can play an important role in this direction. Through its educational initiatives, as well as its awareness-raising and information activities in the public and private sectors, the Centre strengthens and supports various organisations to enhance their cybersecurity levels.
The need to invest in training and awareness-raising is also highlighted in a recent Eurobarometer survey, which reflects the growing concern about the lack of cyber-skills and cybersecurity experts across Europe, and the reluctance of organisations to take action.
The need to invest in training and awareness-raising is also highlighted in a recent Eurobarometer survey, which shows a growing concern about the lack of cyber-skills and cybersecurity experts across Europe, as well as the reluctance of organisations to take action. In this context, a €1 million funding programme for SMEs has already been offered through the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF), and I am confident that the Centre will be successful in attracting additional European funds to be channelled to further strengthen cybersecurity in industry.
In conclusion, I would like to congratulate the Commissioner for Communications, the Digital Security Authority, the team of the National Coordination Centre and the Ministry of State, as well as the Foundation for the collective effort made and assure that the State will continue to give due importance to the cybersecurity sector. This is an area that in the long term is becoming a key criterion for sustainability and development for all organisations and states alike.
Thank you.
(NYAN/MS)
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