3rd Int'l Conference, June 2020 | Page 17

Mr Costas Efthymiou
Technical Affairs Officer , Digital Security Authority ( DSA ), Republic of Cyprus
Costas Efthymiou is a Technical Officer at the Digital Security Authority of Cyprus and the current President of the ( ISC ) 2 Cyprus Chapter . He is a communications networks , information security and cybersecurity specialist with over 15 years of experience in communications network and security research , development and regulation , including working on multiple European Research Programmes and development of national cybersecurity strategy . He has extensive knowledge of cyber and information security , privacy techniques , information risk management , sensor networks and smart metering / grids . In his current position , his responsibilities include coordinating the development and implementation of a number of National Cybersecurity Strategy and Critical Information Infrastructure Protection actions , with representation of Cyprus in key European fora for national cybersecurity development ( ENISA , participation in NIS Cooperation Group Working Streams and the European Cybersecurity Certification Group ). He has acted as expert evaluator for Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Projects for the European Commission Research Executive Agency , and holds a number of professional certifications , publications and patents in the communications and security areas .
" Cybersecurity for Critical Information Infrastructures in Cyprus – Risk Assessments , Security Measures and Other Relevant Obligations "
This presentation will provide a brief overview of the current state of play in Cyprus regarding the cybersecurity of critical information infrastructures and operators of essential services , from the regulatory and supervisory perspective . Many aspects of our daily lives are maintained through the provision of what are termed ‘ essential services ’, which are those services that are vitally important for the continuation of normal economic and societal functions . The rapid digitalization of most critical sectors in Cyprus ( and indeed in many countries ), including the maritime and energy sectors , means that such services are provided to a great extent under the control of information and communications systems that must operate correctly for continuity of service . A high level of cybersecurity in these systems , with the appropriate emphasis on confidentiality , integrity , availability and authenticity , is thus deemed absolutely essential for the country . This presentation will cover the relevant regulatory obligations placed on operators of such infrastructures , including the implementation of formalised risk assessments and a range of security controls through a structured framework .