New On Location Coverage with Sean & Marco on ITSPmagazine

🚨 Cybersecurity in #Italy 🇮🇹 : A Niche Topic No More... 🤔

Not too long ago, if you mentioned #cybersecurity in Italy, you’d get a lot of blank stares. Today, it’s everywhere—boardrooms, government agencies, and, of course, #ITASEC, Italy’s official cybersecurity conference.

This year, #ITASEC2025 took over Bologna, bringing together researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss what’s next for digital security. AI security, regulatory shifts, #cybereducation — yes, even the Digital Operational Resilience Act (#DORA) that’s reshaping financial sector security—were all on the table.

Unfortunately I wasn’t in Italy at the time of the event, but that didn’t stop me from having a fascinating conversation with Professor Alessandro Armando, one of the key organizers and a leading voice in cybersecurity research. In this latest On Location episode. Of course, Sean Martin joined me and we spoke about:

🔹 How cybersecurity went from an afterthought to a national priority in Italy

🔹 Why companies are (finally) realizing that #security is an #investment, not just a cost

🔹 The rise of Cyber Challenge IT—Italy’s initiative to build the next generation of cybersecurity experts

🔹 And, of course, the big reveal… ITASEC 2026 is heading to Sardinia!

📺 Watch the Full Video: https://youtu.be/NsdkYAYZANc

🎧 Listen to the Full Podcast: https://eventcoveragepodcast.com/episodes/cybersecurity-in-italy-itasec-2025-recap-future-outlook-with-professor-alessandro-armando-on-location-coverage-with-sean-martin-and-marco-ciappelli

🔔 Subscribe to On Location Podcast: https://eventcoveragepodcast.com

Cybersecurity isn’t just about stopping threats—it’s about shaping the future of how we live, work, and trust #technology.

What’s your take? Are we heading in the right direction, or are we still playing catch-up?

#InfoSec, #CyberRisk, #AIsecurity, #CyberThreats, #CyberEducation, #CyberWorkforce, #ThreatIntel, #EthicalHacking, #PenTesting, #RiskManagement, #CyberResilience, #DataProtection, #DigitalSecurity, #CyberLaw, #TechnologyNews, #OnLocationPodcast

The White House launched "Service for America: Cyber" to recruit cybersecurity talent for federal service. The program offers paid internships, loan repayment, & scholarships in exchange for government service commitments. #CyberWorkforce #CyberCareers 🔗https://zurl.co/3X7T

HR 8469 Introduced – Diverse Cybersecurity Workforce – Would require CISA to establish a new diversity program within the existing CETAP program - $20 million in new spending authorized to support the program - https://tinyurl.com/px42zskj #Legislation #CISA #CyberWorkforce

Seeing numerous cybersec/infosec internships requiring active degrees is disheartening! 💢

The practice seems counterproductive to a workforce hiring gap; restricting an industry to only those privileged enough to be pursuing conventional (often inadequate) degrees appears shortsighted 😡

Self-taught individuals on par with their counterparts is obvious and proving as valuable as, if not more than, a four-year degrees in some case! 💻

If we're respecting and mutually accrediting ACCESSIBLE (pay-what-you-want & free) industry learning materials (cyber ranges, workshops, online courses, certs, etc) then why the artificial roadblock of a traditional degree? 🤔

#htb #tryhack #tcmsecurity #hacking #Cybersecurity #breakingintocyber #breakintocyber #newtocyber #cyber #security #infosec #cybersecurity #hacker #CyberWorkforce #workforcegap #internships #apprenticeships #CybersecurityOpportunities #SelfTaughtInTech #FutureOfWork #CybersecurityTalentGap #InclusiveHiring

🔒 SANS Cybersecurity Academies just opened their applications - 100% scholarships available - GFACT, GSEC, and GCIH! Are you a diverse candidate interested in cybersecurity? SANS has a special program offering free training, opportunities to meet industry experts, and a pathway to get certified.

Check it out here - Diversity Academy: https://www.sans.org/cyber-academy/diversity-academy/
💻 Remote learning
🎓 Expert mentors; Real-World Projects
📚 SANS #GIAC Certification

If you're a veteran, military spouse, or transitioning military personnel, SANS Veterans Success Academy applications are open!

Find more details here - Veterans Success Academy: https://www.sans.org/cyber-academy/vetsuccess/
📅 6-month program
🎓 SANS OnDemand courses
📚 SANS #GIAC Certification

The Women Immersion Academy offers a 6-month tailored cybersecurity training.

Learn more here - Women Immersion Academy: https://www.sans.org/cyber-academy/womens-academy/
🎓 Free training
💻 Cyber Defense and Incident Handling expertise
⏰ Complete the program in as little as 4 months

#Cybersecurity #Education #Scholarships #CareerOpportunities #DiversityInTech #veterans #WomenInTech #breakingintocyber #breakintocyber #newtocyber #students #jobs #cyber #cyberjobs #security #infosec #cybersecurity #hacker #WorkforceDevelopment #CyberWorkforce #CyberSecurityWorkforceGap #sans #sansinstitute

I'm sure everyone's seen the 'hiring gaps' and layoffs but what's been your experience getting an infosec/cybersecurity/hacker job? Did you transition careers? What's the good, bad, ugly, roadblocks, whatever?

2023 Global Cybersec Workforce = 5,452,732 ✅

2023 Global Cybersec Workforce Gap = 3,999,964 ❌

- What got you interested in infosec/cybersecurity/hacking gigs?

- What's your 'why' for selecting this industry?

- Any crazy hurdles or frustrating moments?

- How are you learning the ropes, especially if you came from a completely different background?

- Any specific training that helped you on your way?

- What have interviews been like?

- Anything weird that you never expected? Did your expectations match the industry?

- How's the job market for these roles?

Most importantly....what would have made the process easier? For research purposes exclusively 😅

#breakingintocyber #breakintocyber #newtocyber #students #jobs #cyber #cyberjobs #security #infosec #cybersecurity #hacker #NAW #ApprenticeshipWeek #WorkforceDevelopment #CyberWorkforce #apprenticeships #naw2023 #nationalapprenticeshipweek2023 #nist #nistframework #CyberSecurityWorkforceGap #infosecjobs