Table of contents
- Italy among the global cyber security excellence
- A rapidly evolving global landscape
- Italy’s strategy: advanced regulations and Governance
- Technology and incident response: an effective system
- Education and training: investing in the future of cyber security
- Future challenges and opportunities for security professionals
- Conclusion: a virtuous path to consolidate
Italy among the global cyber security excellence
The Global Cyber Security Index 2024 (GCI), published by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), has highlighted Italy’s remarkable growth in the field of global cyber security.
Thanks to targeted investments, advanced regulations, and strong Governance, our country ranks among the world’s most secure nations, achieving a score that places it in Tier 1, the highest level of the index.
This achievement is not a coincidence but the result of a national strategy that has strengthened the country’s digital resilience over the past years.
A rapidly evolving global landscape
The increase in cyberattacks has necessitated accelerated investments in cyber security. In 2023 alone, 2,800 data breaches compromised over 8 billion records globally.
The average cost of a data breach has reached $4.45 million, marking a 15% increase compared to previous years. In response to this escalation, Italy has adopted an innovative security model, based on five key pillars: legal, technical, organizational measures, capacity building, and international cooperation.
Italy’s strategy: advanced regulations and Governance
Italy has structured a cutting-edge cyber security system, strengthening its regulatory framework with stringent rules adapted to new digital challenges. Some of the most significant measures include:
- The establishment of the National Cyber Security Agency (ACN) in 2021, enabling the coordination of national cyber security strategies;
- The implementation of NIS 2 Directive through Legislative Decree 131/2022, expanding the protection of critical infrastructures;
- The adoption of the GDPR and the Privacy Code, ensuring high standards of data protection;
- The Technological Innovation Fund (FIT), allocating €300 million to research and development of new security solutions.
Thanks to these initiatives, Italy has solidified its role as a leader in European digital security.
Technology and incident response: an effective system
The ability to rapidly respond to cyber incidents is a key aspect of Italy’s strategy. The CSIRT Italy (Computer Security Incident Response Team), now part of the ACN, has been enhanced to tackle increasingly complex threats.
Additionally, our country is a major player in the European Cyber Security Competence Centre (ECCC), actively contributing to Europe’s digital security.
Italy has also adopted international standards such as the NIST Cyber Security Framework and the ISO/IEC 27001 certification, ensuring a secure-by-design approach in critical sectors.
Education and training: investing in the future of cyber security
A fundamental element of the national strategy is the development of skills in the sector.
The “Cyber Security Operators” program, launched by the ACN, aims to train 5,000 new professionals by 2026. Moreover, the introduction of specific courses in schools and universities has helped create an educational ecosystem capable of meeting the growing demand for cyber security specialists.
Future challenges and opportunities for security professionals
Despite the achievements, Italy’s cyber security ecosystem must tackle emerging challenges. AI-driven threats, deepfake technologies, software supply chain security, and the protection of OT/ICS infrastructures pose significant risks. Additionally, the talent gap remains a concern, with thousands of open cyber security positions difficult to fill.
For industry professionals, these challenges translate into opportunities for growth. The implementation of the NIS 2 Directive, the spread of secure-by-default practices, and the evolution of threat intelligence represent the new frontiers of cyber security in Italy.
Conclusion: a virtuous path to consolidate
Italy’s recognition among the global cyber security excellence is not an endpoint but a starting point. The continuous growth of the sector, supported by investments and targeted strategies, will allow the country to further strengthen its position in the coming years.
The key to success lies in the ability to anticipate threats, innovate, and consolidate a digital security ecosystem that is increasingly robust and aligned with international standards.
