Acceleration of start-up by meeting with representatives from the triple helix eco-system
December 16, 2024
Yesterday (09.01.2025), the business complex Scientia in Gabrovo hosted an info session on the new EU directive NIS2, which broadens the scope of the previous NIS directive to ensure stronger cybersecurity across essential and important sectors such as energy, healthcare, government, and digital services. NIS2 mandates stricter risk management, incident reporting, and supplier oversight, with significant penalties for non-compliance, aiming to create a unified, high level of cybersecurity across the EU. Organizations with over 50 employees or €10 million in turnover in these sectors must assess their cybersecurity measures to meet the directive’s requirements.
The info session gathered representatives from the local business and public administration. The examined topics sparked lively discussion during and after the talks creating an environment for experience and knowledge exchange.
Stanimir Sadinov: Existing Strategies, Standards, and NIS2 Overview
The first talk was delivered by Prof. Dr. Eng. Stanimir Sadinov from TU Gabrovo, who explored existing strategies and standards for cybersecurity, while examining the scope, requirements, and sanctions of the NIS2 directive. He emphasized the importance of both raising societal awareness about cybersecurity issues and training professionals who can ensure compliance with required standards. Prof. Sadinov also shared insights about TU Gabrovo’s Communication Technologies and Cybersecurity bachelor program, noting that its first graduates will soon enter the job market, bringing valuable expertise to the industry.
IIoT: Insights from DAVID Holding
The second talk, presented by representatives from DAVID Holding in Kazanlak, focused on the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). The presentation highlighted how IIoT integrates intelligent devices, data analytics, and infrastructure to monitor, collect, and analyze data, driving efficiency in industrial processes. The Archimed IIoT platform was discussed, emphasizing its capabilities in data collection, real-time machine monitoring, predictive maintenance, and seamless integration with ERP systems. Practical use cases demonstrated the benefits of IIoT in reducing waste, improving production processes, and enhancing preventive maintenance across industries like manufacturing and energy.
Cybersecurity Focus: Dr. Hristiyan Daskalov from EDIH Trakia
The third speaker, Dr. Hristiyan Daskalov, Project Manager at EDIH Trakia, talked about how cybersecurity has become more important in digital change. He explained major European rules like NIS2 and the Cyber Resilience Act showing how they try to make organizations stronger against online threats. Dr. Daskalov pointed out that EDIH Trakia helps businesses and public groups with free cybersecurity help. This includes advice, training for different job levels, and testing for weak spots. He said it’s crucial to take action early and work together to create a safer online world.
Practical Cybersecurity for SMEs: Plamen Ilarionov
The last talk was given by Plamen Ilarionov, a cybersecurity expert involved in local business initiatives and national projects. His presentation focused on cybersecurity best practices for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the initial steps for aligning with the NIS2 directive. He discussed essential measures such as appointing a cybersecurity officer, implementing regular staff training, and adopting proactive software solutions like vulnerability assessments and anti-ransomware tools.
The event was under the scope of two ongoing projects of RIC – Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) and the recently established European Digital Innovation Hub in North Central Bulgaria (EDIH NCB).
