The experts gathered at this conference, organized by the INCIBE-UPV Chair of Cybersecurity, together with the University of Valencia Science Park Foundation (FPCUV), have underlined the double vector that AI implies; greater systematization in the detection of threats, and also in the sophistication of attacks
Artificial intelligence provides greater systematization in the detection of threats, making cybersecurity systems more affordable for SMEs, so that technicians can focus on the most relevant, but also a greater sophistication of the attackers. These were some of the conclusions of the conference organized by the INCIBE-UPV Chair in Cybersecurity, as a result of the agreement between the National Institute of Cybersecurity (INCIBE), an entity under the Ministry for Digital Transformation and the Civil Service, through the State Secretariat for Telecommunications and Digital Infrastructures, and the Polytechnic University of Valencia, together with the University of Valencia Science Park Foundation (FPCUV).
This conference is part of the INCIBE-UPV Cybersecurity Chair, included in the Cybersecurity Chairs program in Spain, under the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan, with funding from the Next Generation-EU Funds.
Under the title "Journey of Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence" and held at the University of Valencia Science Park (PCUV), the various experts in this field have stressed that in view of this dual vector that AI represents for cybersecurity it is necessary to invest in training so that teams are prepared for new sophisticated attacks, as the main security breach remains people.
Human intelligence and critical spirit
In this sense, they have also pointed to the investment in "human intelligence" in the age of artificial intelligence, to continue having a critical spirit. And they have emphasized the need to know AI in order to know how to exploit it in terms of cybersecurity with the guarantees and responsibilities required by applicable regulations.
In addition, the experts who participated in the panel discussion "Case studies of AI application in cybersecurity" have recommended in this context to promote the culture of cyber security in companies, invest in technology, to include cybersecurity in the strategic plans of companies, as they are just as important as any business development plan.
This panel discussion was attended by the CSIC’s Senior Specialist Technician at the Institute of Corpuscular Physics (IFIC, UV-CSIC), Kiko Albiol, responsible for Cybersecurity at Nunsys Group, Juan Manuel Heras, the full professor of the Department of Informatics of the Higher Technical School of Engineering (ETSE-UV), Silvia Rueda, the consultant in the area of Lãberit systems, José Francisco Cubells, the CTO of cybersecurity product of Cipherbit-Grupo Oesía, Xavier González, and the head of R & D in Advanced Data Analysis Systems at the ITI-Technological Institute of Informatics, Raúl Hussein.
"We must move forward in a coordinated way, with strategic conviction, responsibility and collaboration between institutions, companies and knowledge centres", Pedro Carrasco, director of the PCUV
The director of the Chair of Cybersecurity INCIBE-UPV, Santiago Escobar, has explained in the opening speech the main objectives and pillars of this day that are the dissemination of culture, transfer, research in cyber security, as well as the international component. In fact, he stressed that although the University is making great progress in the formation of cybersecurity, much more effort is still needed, since this Chair is the only one of these characteristics in the Valencian Community. "Cybersecurity should be taught at a very early stage, not as a compulsory subject but as an option," he said.
During the opening speech, the PCUV director, Pedro Carrasco, has stressed that in the new context of AI and how it is redefining the way we understand cybersecurity that expands risks and exposure area generating more complex and dynamic scenarios "we must move forward in a coordinated way, with strategic conviction, responsibility and collaboration between institutions, companies and knowledge centres".
An European AI model
Another reflection of the panel discussion entitled "Standards and regulations" has revealed how the AI law of the European Union has produced a regulatory inflation, and in some cases incoherence, that the professionals must now land, and this poses an added difficulty in two ways. On the one hand, because of the speed at which AI evolves, since it is an adaptive system that changes every day.
And on the other hand, the lack of a European AI model as it happens in the US with ChatGPT or China with DeepSeek. Regulatory experts have explained that European and national companies and institutions can make a great effort to comply with the regulations, but if data are transferred into these IAs it is unknown whether they comply with the European regulations. Hence the importance of having a European AI model that does comply with regulations.
The journey has revealed how the Law of artificial intelligence of the European Union has produced a normative inflation, and in some cases incoherence, that now must land professionals and that represents an added difficulty in two ways
In this discussion table, which has had the testimony of the director of the INCIBE-UPV Cybersecurity Chair, Santiago Escobar, also participated the director of Mobiliza Consulting/Academy, Jorge Edo, the ICT Lead Auditor at DNV, Ángel Martín, the associate lawyer of Equipo Marzo, Ana Marzo and PECB’s cybersecurity consultant, Ramiro del Pulgar.
In addition, during this round table the need for companies to have an AI use policy, training for all layers of AI users within the company and a risk analysis of what the use of AI entails for each company has been emphasised.
Do not miss this photo gallery with the best moments of the journey
Cybersecurity Chair Program in Spain
INCIBE, within the Global Security Innovation Program, has as its particular mission the raising of capacities and resources in cybersecurity, in the academic, business and technological ecosystems, aimed at boosting the cybersecurity capabilities of society and the economy in general. This initiative aims to have a program that pursues the promotion and generation of knowledge and its transfer to the productive sector, especially by establishing synergies between the social and economic areas of cybersecurity. With the objective of developing this purpose, the public invitation for collaboration in the promotion of cybersecurity chairs in Spain was launched on 1 December 2022.
The initiatives and actions of the Cybersecurity Chairs program in Spain are included within the Global Security Innovation Program, contemplated in the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan (PRTR) through Component 15. Investment 7 Cybersecurity: Strengthening the capacities of citizens, SMEs and professionals and boosting the sector. It is particularly active in three of the six key aspects of industry listed in PRTR milestone 245: boosting the national cybersecurity industry for the emergence, growth and development of enterprises in this sector; to develop high value-added solutions and services in the field of cybersecurity; and to train and develop specialised talents in the field of cybersecurity.
About INCIBE
The National Institute of Cybersecurity is an entity under the Ministry for Digital Transformation and the Civil Service, through the Secretariat of State for Telecommunications and Digital Infrastructures, consolidated as a reference entity for the development of cybersecurity and digital trust of citizens and businesses. It is also an engine of social transformation and opportunity for innovation, fostering R&D&I and talent.
About UPV
The Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV) is, according to the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), known as the ranking of Shanghai, the best technological university in Spain. More than 70% of UPV students work within a year of completing their studies. This is largely due to paid work placements. The UPV has more than 1,000 student exchange agreements with other universities in Europe, Latin America, the United States, Canada, Australia, China and Japan. In just over 50 years of history, it has produced more than 145,000 scientific publications. It is a national leader in the number of patents and one of the most profitable academic institutions in Spain thanks to its research activity.
Source: INCIBE-UPV Cybersecurity Chair