Counsellor Irujo highlights that “advances in digitalisation must be cyber-secure”
The Minister for Industry and for Business Ecological and Digital Transition, Mikel Irujo Amezaga, today closed the conference “Industrial Cyber Resilience”, organised by the public company European Centre of Business and Innovation of Navarre (CEIN) and the Association of Navarrese Industry (AIN). The event focused on cybersecurity as a key factor for business competitiveness.
Minister Irujo stressed that “there can be no advances in digitalisation unless they are cyber-secure. Cybersecurity must be considered a strategic priority for companies, regardless of their size or the activity they carry out. And, of course, when it comes to new entrepreneurial projects, it must be integrated from the very first moment in the process of creating a new business”.
During the event, which brought together more than 120 people, experiences were shared by both SMEs and startups that have participated in CEIN programmes linked to cybersecurity within the framework of the CEIN Cybersecurity Lab, designed by the organisation in collaboration with the National Cybersecurity Institute of Spain (INCIBE).
Specifically, seven startups participating in the Cybersecurity Acceleration programme presented their value propositions and explained how, thanks to the programme, they have integrated cybersecurity from the outset in the design of their solutions. This has enabled them to build trust among customers, partners and investors, and to grow on a stronger footing. Three of them were recognised by a jury, which assessed their development and progress throughout the programme. The awards went to Nulab (first place), Genbioma (second place) and Tude (third place).
In addition, four SMEs shared the outcomes of their participation in CEIN’s cybersecurity consultancy programme, which enabled them to organise, prioritise and make decisions on cybersecurity matters using a practical approach.
Since its launch in 2024, CEIN Cybersecurity Lab has delivered awareness-raising activities and specialised events involving more than 200 participants, as well as incubation, acceleration and support programmes related to cybersecurity for 32 projects, 16 startups and 33 Navarrese SMEs.
For its development, CEIN has collaborated with key Navarrese stakeholders in the digital-technology and cybersecurity fields, such as the Navarra Cybersecurity Center, the Public University of Navarre (UPNA), Polo IRIS, Nasertic and ATANA.
Regulatory framework and Capture The Flag
During the event, practical and specific issues related to regulations and the steps any organisation must take to make progress in cybersecurity were also addressed.
Thus, companies associated with AIN presented different aspects of cybersecurity, starting with governance and moving on to how to protect themselves, detect cyberattacks and defend against them. Topics were also covered on how to act if an organisation has already suffered a cyberattack, as well as specific insurance coverage in the event of cyberattacks. Companies that have been attacked shared their experiences and explained how they managed to respond and introduce changes in their organisational culture.
Alongside the event, around twenty students from the Public University of Navarre (UPNA) and from the Donapea and María Ana Sanz educational centres took part in an educational cybersecurity competition called Capture The Flag. They tackled cybersecurity challenges by putting themselves in the role of those who analyse, protect and understand digital systems.
About CEIN Cybersecurity Lab
CEIN Cybersecurity Lab is an initiative that implements the INCIBE Emprende programme in Navarre. It is promoted by INCIBE, an entity under the Ministry for Digital Transformation and the Civil Service, through the Secretary of State for Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence, and funded by the European Union through the Next Generation EU plan.
INCIBE Emprende was created with the aim of boosting cybersecurity entrepreneurship. Its objectives include strengthening the cybersecurity capabilities of citizens, SMEs and professionals, as well as fostering the cybersecurity sector ecosystem.
Between 2023 and 2026, INCIBE is supporting cybersecurity entrepreneurs and Spanish cybersecurity start-ups throughout the entire entrepreneurial process, from the idea-capturing phase to incubation and acceleration. In fact, the Institute has been promoting cybersecurity entrepreneurship for more than seven years, which is reflected in its Alumni network, a community that includes some of the most relevant cybersecurity start-ups at national and international level.
The initiatives and actions of INCIBE Emprende are part of the National Cybersecurity Industry Promotion Programme included in the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan (PRTR) through Component 15, Investment 7: Cybersecurity – Strengthening the capabilities of citizens, SMEs and professionals and boosting the sector.
About INCIBE
The National Cybersecurity Institute (INCIBE) is an entity under the Ministry for Digital Transformation and the Civil Service, through the Secretary of State for Telecommunications and Digital Infrastructures. It is consolidated as a reference entity for the development of cybersecurity and digital trust for citizens and companies. In addition, it is a driver of social transformation and an opportunity for innovation, fostering R&D&I and talent.
Source: navarra.es
