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Italy Grapples with Rising Cybercrime Threats

Rome, Italy - As the world continues to battle against cybercrime, Italy has emerged as one of the most vulnerable countries, ranking fourth globally and first in Europe for the number of cyberattacks. According to the Italian Cybersecurity Association (CLUSIT), nearly 13,000 significant cyberattacks were reported last year, more than double the previous year’s total.

The Growing Threat

The growth in remote work has created new vulnerabilities, with attacks on PCs doubling as cybercriminals focus on the weakest link - the endpoint and employee’s PC. Ransomware threats have had a devastating impact, targeting key sectors such as manufacturing, public administration, and healthcare facilities.

Government Response

Italian authorities have responded by strengthening their cybersecurity measures. The National Cybersecurity Authority (ACN) was established in June 2021 to protect the national cyberspace and has been working closely with international partners to combat cybercrime.

Comprehensive Cybersecurity Strategy

To boost efforts against cyber threats, the Italian government has announced a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, outlining the country’s digital roadmap. The plan includes over 80 measures aimed at reducing cyber risks and promoting innovation in the sector.

  • €2.2 billion allocated for implementing the national strategy
  • Additional funds earmarked for related operational management activities
  • Creation of a unified cloud computing infrastructure (€2.5 billion project)

Challenges Remain

Despite these efforts, challenges persist in the Italian cybersecurity landscape. The increased sophistication of cyberattacks and complex regulatory environment remain major hurdles for companies operating in the sector.

  • Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are particularly vulnerable, with over 50% unprepared to face growing threats
  • Large companies investing heavily in tools such as firewalls and virtual private networks (VPNs)

Opportunities Abound

Despite these challenges, there are significant opportunities for growth in Italy’s cybersecurity market. The country is home to a thriving ecosystem of software, hardware, and service providers, including cloud and mobile security solutions.

  • Government focus on innovation and digital transformation creates a favorable environment for companies operating in the sector
  • Over 87% of Italian companies expected to increase their IT security budgets by 10% in 2024

U.S. Companies Take Note

For U.S. companies interested in exploring the Italian cybersecurity market, it’s essential to understand the regulatory landscape and certification requirements.

  • Contact: Maria Calabria, Commercial Specialist, U.S. Commercial Service Italy, at +39 06 4674 2427 or maria.calabria@trade.gov for further guidance and support.