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Project Snapshot - Cybersecurity Competence Centre (CCC Network)


by IT on 22-07-2024
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By João Paulo Barraca

Instituto de Telecomunicações (IT) is actively participating in a new consortium established to enhance cybersecurity resilience and protect organizations and citizens from cyber threats. This initiative, known as the Cybersecurity Competence Centre (CCC Network) for the Centro region of Portugal, is led by the University of Aveiro (UA) and includes participation from IT, UBI, IP Leiria, IP Tomar, IP Castelo Branco, and TICE.PT.

The CCC will serve as a hub for cybersecurity expertise, promoting research, development, and innovation in the field. It aims to support organizations in responding to cybersecurity incidents and addressing the challenges posed by evolving regulations. However, it is crucial to note that the CCC will not replace specialized cybersecurity services provided by private companies.

Key services offered by the CCC include: Roadmaps for cybersecurity assessments and audits; Incident response and recovery assistance, supervised by CERT.PT; Promotion of cybersecurity training and awareness programs; Guidance on cybersecurity compliance and alignment with the national reference matrix; Support for funding and collaboration activities in the scope of cybersecurity.

The CCC will also focus on promoting the qualification of cybersecurity professionals through initiatives like the C-Academy, fostering the digitalization of services through Digital Innovation Hubs, and increasing the maturity of cybersecurity products and services. This establishment marks a significant step towards enhancing the cybersecurity maturity of the Centro region, safeguarding businesses, institutions, and citizens against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.

The consortium brings together leading institutions in education, research, and cybersecurity within the Centro region, boasting extensive experience in these areas and training qualified professionals. The CCC will collaborate with intermunicipal communities, business associations, municipalities, and other relevant entities to expand its network and impact.

On a national level, the C-Network will coordinate the operations of the seven centers, facilitating the exchange of best practices and implementing a joint strategy. This coordination aims to bridge the gap between the national cybersecurity strategy and the realities faced by public and private organizations, promoting closer collaboration and more secure operations.

João Paulo Barraca, our researcher and professor at the University of Aveiro, is the IT coordinator of the project. According to him, the CCC Network will be instrumental in enhancing the security posture of organizations nationwide. This initiative aims to reduce the gap between the national cybersecurity strategy and the actual conditions of each organization. Barraca emphasizes that the CCC does not intend to replace existing security service providers but to collaborate with them, helping organizations move towards more secure operations.

The project is expected to directly impact approximately 2,000 entities, with 400 in the Centro region specifically addressed by CCC-Centro. The CCC will be a central hub for cybersecurity expertise, fostering research, development, and innovation while supporting organizations in navigating the complex cybersecurity landscape.

The establishment of the CCC represents a significant advancement in cybersecurity for the Centro region. Collaboration among universities, polytechnic institutes, companies, and local communities is essential for building a more secure and resilient digital future for the region.

 

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https://www.c-days.cncs.gov.pt/
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