Title:

The imperative need for a holistic cybersecurity approach

Keynote speaker:

Dr. Panagiotis Bountakas, Specialist R&D Engineer, SPHYNX, Switzerland

Dr. Panagiotis Bountakas is currently a Specialist R&D Engineer in SPHYNX. He holds a PhD in Cybersecurity, an MSc in Digital Systems Security and a BSc in Information and Communication Technologies all from the Digital Systems Department of the University of Piraeus. Throughout his career, Dr. Bountakas has participated in several National and European research projects (H2020, MSCA, Horizon Europe) in various roles including technical project manager. His research interests focus on AI for cybersecurity, namely the design and implementation of AI methods in the cybersecurity domain, as well as on cybersecurity for AI, namely the protection of AI systems against adversarial machine learning attacks, while the outcomes of his research have been published in Q1 journals and conferences. In addition, Dr. Bountakas holds an ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Auditor certificate. Research Interests: Data collection and analysis regarding cyber-attacks, malwares, and anomalies aiming at their accurate detection using Artificial Intelligent techniques, like machine and deep learning. Defence and protection methods against adversarial attacks (i.e., cyberattacks targeting AI systems) focusing on detection and mitigation methods (e.g., adversarial training, feature reduction, ensemble learning, et).

Abstract:

The fast advancements in digital systems with the adoption of novel technologies, such as cloud computing, 5G, and Artificial Intelligence, assist organizations in optimizing their daily activities and procedures; however, it has also enlarged the attack and threat landscape, often placing the organizations in a tight spot. Moreover, the adversaries also have these technologies in their arsenal, with which they can launch more sophisticated cyberattacks, which are difficult to detect and prevent by defence mechanisms, such as intrusion detection systems, antiviruses, etc. Tackling cyberattacks effectively, responding to cyber incidents promptly, and protecting organizations thoroughly are difficult procedures often based on many factors. This presentation will elaborate on the need for holistic cybersecurity solutions that will not only protect organizations against cyberattacks, but they will also enhance the organizations’ ability to tackle unknown threats. It will discuss how novel cybersecurity solutions could be integrated to form a holistic defence approach relying on three main pillars, situational awareness, incident response, and preparedness, introducing the concept of the SYNAPSE EC-funded project.