Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1216530
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 1 MARCH 2020 12 COMMERCIAL Various Government initiatives such as the B Secure Scheme have infiltrat- ed the concept of Cyber Security into private firms in order to safeguard their workforce and operations. Which fora do you now believe deserve the Government's attention as Malta con- tinues its journey in today's highly technological industries? Cyber security provides a level of as- surance that the sector is protected and ready to withstand cyber-attacks that may have adverse consequences on our economy if a major breach occurs. Feedback we have received from ben- eficiaries of the B Secure Scheme indi- cated the need for similar schemes. There is a shortage of skilled work- force in the area which is increasing on a yearly basis. Emphasis should also be made on vulnerable groups of society who are easy targets for cyber criminals. All of these goals will be achieved through a comprehensive and coordi- nated cyber security awareness and ed- ucation campaign. As Parliamentary Secretary you are now also responsible for Malta's Infor- mation and Technology Agency, MITA, which continuously pushes for bet- ter awareness on cyber security and sharing of information between gov- ernmental entities to protect sensi- tive data from cyber-attacks. Will you encourage the sharing of information within the private sector? Security incidents reported last year clearly show that cyber security needs to be taken more seriously by the pri- vate sector. The need for the government to invest in professionals was also expressed dur- ing the first edition of the National Cy- ber Security Summit. Experts in the field also highlight- ed the need for such events to be held more frequently, providing a space where stakeholders such as policy mak- ers, business owners, professionals and academics can come together to discuss the latest cyber security threats and trends. Investment should also be made in the public sector, considering the amount of personal data that is processed in this domain. Malta has been dubbed 'The Block- chain Island' after being the first coun- try to introduce blockchain legislation, has made headlines with its national strategy for Artificial Intelligence, and has a strong international reputation as an ideal hub for private iGaming companies to flourish. How will you, now responsible for all these niches, push the country to live up to its al- ready ambitious vision? Malta has already successfully hosted a number of private and public projects related to AI and blockchain, one of them aiming for all education related certificates and rental contracts to be blockchain based. Both these projects have been highly praised and admired by fellow EU Member States and other jurisdictions. We will now create new paths as we move forward into 2020. The Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA) will be soon introducing a new Cyber- security Certification Scheme in line Cybersecurity Regulation. It will also be developing the concept of the European Digital Innovation where a new invest- ment in High Performance Computing will give access to academics and scien- tists. 'We want to promote Malta