Ahead of the ItaliaSec Cyber Security Summit, we met with Paola Rocco, ISO at Intrum, for a quick discussion on the state of cyber security in Italy today.
Read on below for the full interview!
Please introduce yourself and tell us a little about your background….
Since 2003 I have been working in the field of information security and data protection, with a strong technical background in different consulting companies. In 2020, I was recruited by Intrum Italy as Head of Information Security and Local Information Security Manager within the Intrum Group.
Currently, my responsibilities include identifying risk areas and providing clients with cyber defence and business operations protection programmes.
I graduated with a degree in Computer Engineering, Lead Auditor ISO 27001, ISO 22301, DPO UNI 11697, Privacy Auditor UNI 11697. I have also been a lecturer in several Master programs mainly focused on cyber security at Roma Tre and Tor Vergata University.
Since 2013, I have been the Information Security Chair at the Professional Council of Engineers of Rome.
In this role, I am involved in teaching and managing a large number of conferences, seminars and courses on cybersecurity in Rome. As an author, I am also co-author of several published articles and speaker at educational webinars.
What are your main security concerns and what are you prioritising at the moment? How has the pandemic shaped them?
Security awareness plays a crucial role in protecting against cyber attacks. In my job, I support and promote daily information security training and awareness activities at global and local level.
The human factor can be both the weakest and strongest element of security. Without adequate involvement of the human factor, no product or combination of products can guarantee security. Protection against security breaches begins with education in the detection of malicious attacks.
Due to the restrictions imposed by the coronavirus pandemic, employees have been encouraged to work from home. As a result, there is a growing need to improve the “cyber-secure” remote working environment to protect it from cyber-attacks.
What are your tips for reconciling security and digitalisation?
Digital transformation projects determine an increasing involvement of the use of technology. The best way to help ensure data protection is to properly manage the integration with the business to be resilient and comply with industry standards.
Catch Paola at ItaliaSec Summit on 24th – 25th May for her Fireside Chat: ‘Prepararsi Efficacemente ai Continui Cambiamenti nella Tecnologia e nel Panorama delle Minacce’! Join us for her session and enjoy live Q&As throughout the summit by registering for FREE online with code: CYBER-VIP at italy.cyberseries.io/register/.
