Hackers in public agencies? Frattasi warns: “A risk to national security”

Table of contents

• A risky suggestion: Frattasi says no to hackers in the ACN
• The common good comes first
• Young people and digital vulnerability
• Digital education beats hacker glamour

A risky suggestion: Frattasi says no to hackers in the ACN

Bringing young hackers into a public agency like the National Cyber Security Agency (ACN) isn’t just provocative—it’s a serious risk. That’s the firm stance of Bruno Frattasi, general director of the ACN, during an event in Ancona on May 29, 2025.

When asked about the idea of involving a 20-year-old Sicilian known for hacking institutional networks, Frattasi was clear: “It’s a fascinating idea, but in reality, it would be a risk.”

The common good comes first

Frattasi emphasized that the Agency cannot afford to include individuals who have not sincerely converted to the common good. “In a structure tasked with protecting national security, we can’t risk bringing in ambiguous figures, even if they have extraordinary tech skills.”

The ideal candidate must have advanced technical training, defense experience, and above all, trustworthiness.

Young people and digital vulnerability

Frattasi also addressed the digital fragility of younger generations. “It’s a myth that young people are naturally more digitally aware. The iNavigati campaign showed they’re actually the most exposed to online scams,” he said.

Despite growing up with technology, many young people lack the skills to identify threats like phishing, identity theft, and manipulative content.

Digital education beats hacker glamour

The case of the young Sicilian hacker reignited the debate on hiring so-called ethical hackers in national defense. But ACN’s position is firm: ethics and trust outweigh raw technical ability.

The only way to ensure effective cyber security is through rigorous education, recruitment, and training.

Questions and answers

1. Who is Bruno Frattasi?
   He is the general director of Italy’s National Cyber Security Agency (ACN).
2. Why did Frattasi reject hiring hackers?
   Because it could pose a security threat unless the individual is genuinely reformed.
3. Who is the young Sicilian hacker mentioned?
   A 20-year-old known for breaching institutional networks, suggested by media for a cyber security role.
4. Does ACN accept ex-hackers as staff?
   Only if they demonstrate a credible path of reformation and trustworthiness.
5. What is the ideal profile for working at ACN?
   Advanced technical skills, defense background, and proven reliability.
6. Are young people more cyber-aware?
   No. According to Frattasi, they’re often more vulnerable to digital fraud.
7. What is the iNavigati campaign?
   An initiative to raise awareness of digital risks, especially among the youth.
8. What are the dangers of hiring unreformed hackers?
   Internal breaches, data leaks, and loss of trust in public institutions.
9. What does Frattasi mean by “common good”?
   A sincere commitment to public safety, not personal ambition.
10. How can one protect against online scams?
    Through education, security tools, awareness, and a cautious digital mindset.