Rome – A major international conference focused on cybersecurity is set to take place in Rome next month, bringing together top officials and experts to address the growing threats of cybercrime and cyberwarfare. CyberSEC2026, the 5th edition of the Cybersecurity Italia event, will be held on March 4th and 5th at the Scuola Superiore di Polizia, in collaboration with the Polizia di Stato (State Police).
The conference comes at a time of increasing global concern over digital security, as nations and organizations grapple with sophisticated cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure, government systems, and private data. The event’s title, “Cybercrime and Cyberwar: Norms, Geopolitics and Cybersecurity for a Common Defense,” underscores the multifaceted nature of these challenges and the demand for a coordinated response. Understanding the evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats is paramount for both national security and economic stability.
Luigi Garofalo, director of Cybersecurity Italia, expressed pride in the collaboration with the Polizia di Stato, calling it “a recognition for CyberSEC, which is increasingly positioning itself in our country as the main moment of comparison on cybersecurity between all relevant stakeholders, both institutional and corporate.” He emphasized that cybersecurity is now fundamentally linked to national security, stating, “The cyberspace can no longer be treated only as silos, given that it is one of the domains of hybrid warfare, fought daily.”
High-Level Participation Signals Importance of Cybersecurity
CyberSEC2026 boasts an impressive lineup of speakers, including key figures from the Italian government, European institutions, and international cybersecurity organizations. Confirmed attendees include Italian Minister of the Interior Matteo Piantedosi, Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy Adolfo Urso, and Vittorio Pisani, Head of the State Police and Director General of Public Security. The participation of Vittorio Rizzi, Director General of the Department of Information Security (DIS), highlights the Italian intelligence community’s commitment to addressing cyber threats.
European representation will be led by Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, signaling the EU’s focus on strengthening cybersecurity across member states. Bruno Frattasi, Director General of the National Cybersecurity Agency (ACN), and Sandro Sanasi, Commander of the Network Operations Command, will represent Italy’s national cybersecurity apparatus. The inclusion of Patrick Touak, Director of the French Ministry of Interior’s cyberspace command (ComCyberMI), demonstrates a commitment to international cooperation in combating cybercrime.
Beyond government officials, the conference will also feature leaders from key cybersecurity companies and agencies, including Ivano Gabrielli, Director of the Postal Police and Cybersecurity Service, Riccardo Croce, Director of CNAIPIC (National Anti-Crime Center), and Mario Nobile, Director General of the Agency for Digital Italy (AgID). The diverse range of speakers underscores the collaborative approach needed to tackle the complex challenges of cybersecurity.
Focus on a Systemic Challenge
Eliana D’Aquanno, director of the conference, emphasized the systemic nature of cybersecurity, stating that it “requires culture, technologies, vision, coordination, capacity of governance and training.” She added that CyberSEC aims to be a platform for consolidating awareness and evolving strategies for national resilience and collective well-being. The conference is designed to foster a high-level dialogue that extends beyond debate and contributes to the development of a shared strategy.
The agenda for CyberSEC2026 will likely cover a wide range of topics, including the latest cyber threats, emerging technologies for cybersecurity, legal and regulatory frameworks, and international cooperation. Discussions are expected to address the growing sophistication of ransomware attacks, the increasing utilize of artificial intelligence in cyber warfare, and the challenges of protecting critical infrastructure from cyberattacks. The event will also likely explore the geopolitical implications of cybersecurity, as nations increasingly view cyber capabilities as a key component of their national power.
Collaboration Between Law Enforcement and Cybersecurity Experts
The collaboration between Cybersecurity Italia and the Polizia di Stato is particularly significant, given the State Police’s central role in combating cybercrime and protecting Italy’s critical infrastructure. The Polizia Postale and for Cybersecurity Service is on the front lines of investigating cyberattacks, prosecuting cybercriminals, and providing cybersecurity guidance to businesses and citizens. This partnership underscores the importance of close cooperation between law enforcement and cybersecurity experts in addressing the evolving threat landscape.
Gianpaolo Zambonini, a Senior Officer with the Polizia di Stato and Director of the Cybersecurity Service within the Ministry of the Interior, will be a key participant in the conference, further solidifying the law enforcement presence. The involvement of Paolo Aceto, Commander of the III Department of the Carabinieri General Command, also highlights the broader security apparatus’s engagement with cybersecurity issues.
The conference is expected to draw attendees from across the public and private sectors, including government officials, cybersecurity professionals, business leaders, and academics. It provides a valuable opportunity for networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration on solutions to the pressing challenges of cybercrime and cyberwar.
Looking ahead, the outcomes of CyberSEC2026 are expected to inform Italy’s national cybersecurity strategy and contribute to a more secure digital future. Further details about the conference agenda and registration can be found on the official website. The next key date for those interested in attending is the registration deadline, which has not yet been announced.
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