The 24th edition of the Assises de la cybersécurité has officially opened in Monaco, with an inaugural address by Didier Guillaume, Monaco’s Minister of State, calling for collective efforts to confront the increasing challenges posed by cyber threats.

More than 3,300 attendees and 180 digital security partners, including 21 startups, have gathered for the three-day event.

In his opening speech on Wednesday 9th October, Didier Guillaume spoke of the importance of collective action in combatting cyber threats. “In a world where cyberattacks are growing exponentially, no nation or sector can face these challenges alone,” he said.

Guillaume noted the rise of ransomware attacks and the increasing complexity of global cybercriminal networks, stating, “The evolution of international relations has led to the consolidation of influence blocs, including state and non-state actors, criminals, and hackers.”

He pointed to Monaco’s commitment to cybersecurity through the ratification of the Budapest Convention and its support for the United Nations’ new Convention on Cybercrime, calling the latter “another step forward” in global cooperation.

Monaco, he added, has made cybersecurity a strategic priority, with legislation in place since 2016 to protect the Principality’s critical infrastructures and personal data. “We have expanded our regulatory framework to apply security rules to new sectors of activity,” said Guillaume, referencing the adoption of European standards to strengthen Monaco’s defenses.

He also outlined plans to further develop the successful Fonds bleu initiative, launched in 2020, to support the digital transformation of businesses. The next phase will focus on healthcare, with funding dedicated to cybersecurity audits and securing sensitive data. “This initiative has already helped make Monaco’s economic ecosystem more resilient and modern,” Guillaume said.

In closing, Guillaume urged participants to work together, saying, “The key to success in facing the cyberthreat is in the collective. It’s through our coordinated efforts that we will achieve a safer cyberspace.”

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Photo: Minister of State Didier Guillaume, credit Stéphane Danna