On September 18, 2024, the Technical University of Moldova marked a major milestone with the official opening of the Cybercor National Institute for Cybersecurity Innovations. The inauguration set the stage for the first international conference, CyberCon Moldova, centered around the theme “Education: The Foundation of a Resilient Cybersecurity Culture.”
This event brought together leading cybersecurity experts from Moldova and abroad, alongside Cybercor’s partners, government officials, professors, and students. The conference highlighted the essential role that education plays in building a strong, enduring cybersecurity culture.
Moldova’s Prime Minister, Dorin RECEAN, emphasized the pivotal role Cybercor will play in strengthening the country’s cybersecurity, stating: “With technological progress advancing so quickly, we need an agile, adaptive mechanism. Cybercor will be instrumental in promoting cybersecurity education across state institutions. I also see tremendous research potential here, positioning Moldova to contribute to global cybersecurity efforts.”
Minister of Economic Development and Digitalization, Dumitru ALAIBA, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to investing in digital infrastructure and enhancing the country’s capacity to tackle cyber threats: “Moldova is in the midst of digital transformation, but being online also means being secure. This is why we are investing in both our digital infrastructure and our ability to combat cyber threats.”
CyberCon Moldova provided a platform to discuss the current challenges in the cybersecurity field.
UTM Rector, Prof. Viorel BOSTAN, stressed the need to create an ecosystem capable of effectively responding to digital threats: “Our mission at Cybercor is clear and ambitious: to identify and understand the challenges and vulnerabilities we face in cyberspace. Here, at Cybercor, our expert teams will thoroughly analyze every threat and every gap in our digital protection systems. The institute will help build a strong shield to counter cyber threats that endanger not only national security but also the economic and social stability of the country.”
Supporting the launch of Cybercor, Erin Elizabeth McKee, USAID’s Assistant Administrator for the Europe and Eurasia Bureau, stated that cybersecurity is a global priority for USAID: “Digital threats have grown more sophisticated, which is why USAID has prioritized civilian cybersecurity around the world, including through strong support for initiatives like the launch of Cybercor.”
CyberCon Moldova focused on students and public sector employees, discussing the critical elements needed to bridge the skills gap in cybersecurity. The conference also highlighted the importance of creating a strong ecosystem capable of responding to cyber threats in a coordinated and efficient manner.
The launch of the Cybercor National Institute for Cybersecurity Innovations represents an important step in fortifying Moldova’s cybersecurity. The institute is set to train cyber experts, including public officials, central and local authorities, as well as students. Rector Viorel BOSTAN discussed the development of the curriculum, emphasizing the integration of both fundamental and advanced cybersecurity courses into university programs.
In his remarks at the event, Dinu ȚURCANU, UTM’s Vice-Rector for Digitalization, stated: “This is a defining moment for Moldova’s digital future. In the digital age, cross-border collaboration is a necessity for driving innovation and addressing global challenges. This reality is clearly reflected in CyberCon Moldova, with over 200 participants – top cybersecurity experts – all united by the same vision: a safer, more prepared digital world. Cybercor stands as a living example of this collaboration and as a platform that will turn vision into reality. We are committed to building a true hub for innovation and strategic partnerships here. Here’s to the future of Cybercor!”
Ludmila PECA, Director of Cybercor, stressed the critical importance of the institute: “We find ourselves at a crucial moment. Moldova, like the rest of the world, is facing a significant shortage of cybersecurity expertise, which threatens the stability and safety of our digital landscape. The disparities in readiness and capabilities are growing, making this challenge even harder to address. CYBERCOR was founded to confront this very issue. Through innovation, research, and collaboration with our partners, both at home and abroad, we aim to develop specialists who can safeguard critical infrastructures and ensure the digital security of tomorrow.”
During the event, the institute solidified its position by signing two strategic agreements with the General Prosecutor’s Office and the Ministry of Internal Affairs. These partnerships will focus on two major areas: ensuring cybersecurity and resilience in line with national legislation and advancing the technological component.
The first conference hosted at Cybercor attracted over 200 attendees, who had the opportunity to participate in panel discussions, workshops, and listen to speeches by cybersecurity experts from both Moldova and abroad.
“There are still many vulnerabilities in global cybersecurity systems, but there is also a vast opportunity for research and innovation. Cybercor is set to become a key reference point in this area,” noted Pritchard, founder of The Cyber Security Expert from the UK.
Cybercor also reinforced its mission with strategic agreements signed with the General Prosecutor’s Office and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, aimed at bolstering Moldova’s cybersecurity and resilience.
The CyberCon Moldova event, organized by the Technical University of Moldova and USAID, Sweden, and the UK through the Future Technologies Project, was held under the patronage of the Government of the Republic of Moldova, in partnership with the Cyber Security Agency, the Development Foundation, Codwer, and SigURL, with support from Google, Cisco, Fortinet, and Palo Alto Networks.
Cybercor is located within the Technical University of Moldova and covers a total area of 800 m². It features four specialized laboratories for simulating cybersecurity threats and exercises for cybersecurity teams, training rooms, and a conference hall, “Aula Magna,” which can host events with up to 300 participants. The total investment in infrastructure and equipment is estimated at $2 million, with $1.5 million contributed by USAID, Sweden, and the UK through the Future Technologies Project, and $500,000 from the Technical University of Moldova and the Government of Moldova.
