By Andreas Georgiou Stavrou ~
NICOSIA, CYPRUS — Cyprus is moving at full throttle to develop its digital defense system by making targeted investments in cybersecurity infrastructure, human capital development, and global cooperation. As the country is pursuing a digital-first economy, it’s becoming a powerhouse regional cybersecurity hub poised to protect vital assets and foster secure innovation.
Strengthening Infrastructure
Cyprus’s state telecom company Cyta’s purchase of Simplex’s gem LCA1 data center in Larnaca is an historic event. This Tier III-accredited facility, the additional ISO 27001 accreditation and green infrastructure, is Cyprus’s expression of commitment to data sovereignty, high-availability services, and high-grade digital infrastructure cyprus-mail.com.
Developing Cyber Skills
With almost half of cyberattacks targeting local SMEs, Cyprus has focused on workforce readiness. Through its National Digital Decade Strategic Roadmap, the country expects massive growth in its cybersecurity workforce market, and with a plan to reskill over 10,000 experts by 2025, funded by EU-sanctioned programs like THALIA and Digital Skills initiatives.
Institutional Empowerment
The creation of the Digital Security Authority (DSA) and the National Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT), as provided by EU NIS legislation, enhances cyber crisis management public-private partnership and sharing of time-sensitive threat information.
Defending Connectivity
Among recent cyber attacks was a coordinated sequence of DDoS attacks against government sites, the principal airport, electricity utility, telecom, and energy utility sites. Due to efficient incident management processes coordinated by CSIRT and communication hubs, services were not interrupted.
Regional Partnerships & Training
Cyprus
Cyprus is at the forefront of regional cybersecurity cooperation, having just joined India, the U.S., and EU allies in sharing information and building resilience. It has also been hosting cybersecurity training at facilities such as the CYCLOPS center associated with maritime security and WMD prevention—enlarging its defense diplomacy role.
A Leadership Vision
Cyprus’s vision, as expressed in national plans and the DSA mission, is one of aspiration: it wants to be a regional cyberhub for security, protecting critical infrastructure, developing talent, and facilitating a thriving digital economy.
With hardened infrastructure, skills development in specialized areas, highly structured governance, and border-to-border collaboration, Cyprus is fast becoming a digital player. Through investment in ensuring connectivity and data remain preserved, the country is setting the bar—showing the world that security and trust create cornerstones upon which its digital future is established.
Sources:
- Cyta’s acquisition of LCA1 data center pwc.com.cy+10cyprus-mail.com+10enisa.europa.eu+10
- National Digital Decade and cybersecurity job growth nucamp.co+1cbn.com.cy+1
- DSA, CSIRT, and EU cybersecurity frameworks pwc.com.cy
- DDoS incidents and incident response
- Strategic training partnerships and CYCLOPS center roles apnews.com+2apnews.com+2apnews.com+2
- National strategy documents and goal setting
