Digital Transformation is of utmost significance for the societies in Europe and with this comes a huge need for cyber security. At the European level there are already several legislating initiatives: NIS Directive, General Data Protection Regulation and significant research efforts supported by European Research Framework Programs.

However, there are concerns that cybersecurity and privacy evolve too slowly and digitalisation becomes more and more insecure. Cyber security and privacy R&D seem to lag behind the development of ICT because of the massive digitalisation in all areas, from smart production to transport, health care and other services. Internet of everything, virtual reality, artificial intelligence etc. bring about new risks and new needs for security as well as for the protection of personal data.

Attackers may have big resources at their disposal and new trends such as big data, cognitive computing, and quantum computing can be exploited by attackers, but at the same time offer opportunities for innovative countermeasures.

Europe may already fall behind regarding the ability to develop key technologies and thus loses digital sovereignty. International cooperation and common responsibility may be weakened by national interests and protectionism.

This session will focus on the question what is needed to strengthen cyber security and privacy for the sake of an inclusive and secure European society.

Speakers: