Table of contents
- Cyber defense: a new operational domain
- Hackers serving national security
- The strategy of “Advanced Defence”
- Training and parliamentary transparency
Cyber defense: a new operational domain
The cyberspace is now recognized by NATO as an operational domain alongside land, sea, air, and space. Italy, with a new bill presented to Parliament by Defense Committee President Nino Minardo, aims to strengthen its cyber capabilities.
The goal is to enable the Defense Ministry to act not only in wartime but also in peacetime, preventing digital sabotage and protecting critical infrastructures and citizens.
Hackers serving national security
The bill allows the Armed Forces to rely on individual and corporate specialists, opening the door to hiring ethical hackers.
This is already common practice in the UK, where experts are recruited to detect vulnerabilities and secure systems. With this move, Italy intends to bridge its legislative and operational gap with other countries.
The strategy of “Advanced Defence”
Defense Minister Guido Crosetto has repeatedly stressed the need for parallel investments in land, naval, air, missile, and cyber capabilities. The chosen approach is Advanced Defence, which combines defensive and offensive actions to maintain operational advantage. Experts argue that limiting operations to defense alone would mean “systematically losing ground” to adversaries.
Training and parliamentary transparency
The bill also introduces training programs in schools and military academies to build a new generation of cyber specialists. At the same time, Parliament will maintain oversight: the Defense Minister must report regularly to parliamentary committees and the Copasir, ensuring democratic control and transparency.
The risks and challenges of cyber warfare
Concerns remain. According to the Italian Institute of International Affairs, attributing a cyberattack with certainty is extremely complex, raising the risk of unjust retaliation or geopolitical escalation. International law also remains vague on the line between an armed attack and a violation of sovereignty.
Lastly, the shortage of qualified personnel poses a major challenge, as the human factor remains the most critical vulnerability.
