Table of contents
- A more digital South, but not yet safe
- The most affected sectors: digital services and public administration
- Awareness and education: the first line of defense
- Beyond laws: cyber security as a culture
- A South that leads, not follows
A more digital South, but not yet safe
The Campania region is rapidly embracing digital transformation, but this evolution carries new dangers. According to the latest Exprivia report, cyberattacks in Italy dropped by 10% over the last quarter yet this decline doesn’t mean greater protection.
“It’s like saying it rains less, but the storm isn’t over,” says Alessandro Rubino, president of Cyber security Sud Italia.
From July to September, 1,161 cyber threats were recorded nationwide, including 1,033 confirmed attacks. Even with a slight reduction, the figures show persistent pressure and Campania, one of the South’s most connected regions, is now among the most exposed.
The most affected sectors: digital services and public administration
The most targeted sectors remain digital services such as cloud platforms, payment systems, and crypto networks, followed by finance, technology, retail, and the public sector.
“The tools used are familiar phishing, malware, data theft but increasingly refined,” explains Rubino. “Often victims don’t notice the breach immediately, which worsens the damage and recovery costs.”
Awareness and education: the first line of defense
Cyber security Sud Italia has been active for years promoting digital education initiatives in schools, companies, and public bodies across southern Italy.
“Technology evolves faster than awareness,” Rubino warns. “We meet people and organizations every day who invest in digital tools but not in the skills to protect them.”
This is why the association insists that training must become the foundation of a resilient digital South.
Beyond laws: cyber security as a culture
Alongside regulatory frameworks like NIS2 and DORA, Rubino calls for a cultural shift:
“Cyber security isn’t a checklist. It’s a mindset a shared responsibility. We can’t treat safety as a bureaucratic formality. It’s a social investment that protects our future.”
Rules alone, he explains, cannot secure a society if people don’t understand the value of data protection and responsible online behavior.
A South that leads, not follows
Cyber security Sud Italia envisions a southern Italy that governs digital change rather than enduring it: “We want a South that becomes a national model for data protection, digital awareness, and resilience.”
The message ends with a human reminder:
“Behind every firewall there are people. True defense starts with them with education, respect for data, and personal responsibility. Only then can we build a digital, safe, and competitive Campania.”
