The European cybersecurity landscape is facing a significant threat as the global skills gap in this field continues to widen. According to the World Economic Forum, only 46% of cyber managers believe their organizations have the necessary skills to tackle attacks effectively. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need to address the shortage of cybersecurity professionals in Europe.
A report by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2) reveals that the skills gap in cybersecurity surpassed 3.4 million job positions worldwide in 2022. The European Commission estimates that the shortage of cybersecurity professionals in the continent ranges from 260,000 to 500,000. These figures highlight the pressing need for a strategic approach to enhance European cyber resilience.
In response to these challenges, Leonardo has launched various initiatives aimed at promoting security-related skills and attitudes across all age groups and professions. Its flagship Cyber & Security Academy serves as a high-level training hub for companies, public administrations, defense agencies, and the general public. The Academy utilizes the state-of-the-art Cyber Range platform, employing gamification principles to simulate attack and defense exercises in a digital twin environment of real-life systems.
The Cyber Range platform also supports the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCDCOE) in training officers from Atlantic Alliance countries on cyber awareness and defense. In its inaugural year, the Cyber & Security Academy provided security awareness courses to over 17,000 participants and organized more than 140 training events.
Leonardo also prioritizes projects aimed at schools, collaborations with universities, and initiatives promoting gender equality in the digital and cybersecurity sector. By engaging stakeholders at various levels, Leonardo strives to bridge the cybersecurity skills gap and foster a robust cyber defense ecosystem in Europe.
The escalating cyber threat landscape is evident from the increasing frequency, complexity, and impact of cyberattacks worldwide. In Italy alone, the Italian Postal Police reported a staggering 138% growth in attacks on critical IT infrastructures between 2021 and 2022. Over the past decade, reported cybercrimes in the country have more than doubled, while overall crime rates have decreased.
Furthermore, a 2022 report by Censis-Isfa revealed that the probability of encountering cyber risks has risen significantly, with 76.9% of Italians experiencing at least one cyber threat that year. Attacks on Italy’s private sector have surged by 32% compared to the previous year, with IT services, transport, and banking being primary targets.
The European Union recognizes the importance of cybersecurity and has allocated substantial resources to protect public administrations, businesses, and individuals. Through the Digital Europe Programme, the EU has committed €1.6 billion for cybersecurity initiatives from 2021 to 2027. Cybersecurity is also a priority within NextGenerationEU and the Strategic Compass, shaping the EU’s defense and security policy for the next decade.
To enhance cybersecurity measures, the European Commission has proposed new rules that establish common cybersecurity measures in EU institutions and bodies. Notably, the NIS2 directive classifies potential attack victims into key sectors, while the CER directive focuses on improving the resilience of critical infrastructure against physical and cyber threats. The Cyber Resilience Act aims to ensure consistent cybersecurity protection for digital products within the EU.
In collaboration with various organizations, Leonardo is actively engaged in defining cybersecurity technology priorities and shaping methods of governance for the future network of European cyber competence centers. It is a member of the European Cyber Security Organisation (ECSO) and works closely with public and private entities to strengthen EU countries’ security and protection.
Leonardo’s involvement extends to critical sectors such as space and border security. The company is designing and developing the European Space Agency’s new Cyber-Security Operations Centre (C-SOC) to safeguard Europe’s space assets and infrastructure from cyber threats. Furthermore, Leonardo provides security governance, control strategies, and continuous asset monitoring for eu-LISA, the European agency responsible for managing borders, migration, and internal security.
In conclusion, addressing the global cybersecurity skills gap is vital for the resilience of European cyber defense. Leonardo’s comprehensive initiatives and collaborations aim to equip individuals of all ages and professions with the necessary skills to tackle evolving cyber threats. By investing in cybersecurity education, training programs, and technology, Europe can enhance its cyber resilience and protect its digital sovereignty in an increasingly interconnected world.
