Prodefence at the “BlackSea Maritime Cybersecurity” Conference – Contributing to Cybercrime Investigations in a Time of Conflict
On 21–22 November 2024, the Maritime University of Constanta hosted the first edition of the BlackSea Maritime Cybersecurity conference series, titled “Countering Cybercrime Threats in the Current Context of the Conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.” Organized by the Maritime Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence (MARCYSCOE), in partnership with major Romanian universities, the event brought together experts in cybersecurity, legal professionals, and researchers to address pressing challenges in cybercrime response during armed conflicts.
The conference focused on the legal and operational complexities of investigating cybercrimes in conflict zones, as the digital battlefield increasingly intersects with traditional warfare. It emphasized the urgent need for harmonized legal frameworks capable of supporting cybercrime investigations—especially against critical infrastructure—amid evolving hybrid threats.
Prodefence’s Strategic Role
Prodefence, a key player in Romania’s cybersecurity ecosystem, was prominently represented at the event by its CEO, Alexandru Anghelus, who also serves as President of CYSCOE – the Cyber Security Cluster of Excellence. Prodefence is a founding and driving force within CYSCOE, contributing advanced technical capabilities and strategic insights to the cluster’s mission.
At the conference, Alexandru Anghelus delivered a keynote focused on a real-world cybercrime case involving financial fraud through data theft via malware. His presentation broke down the technical attack vectors, data exfiltration mechanisms, and the investigative procedures employed to uncover and analyze the incident. This exemplified Prodefence’s deep expertise in cyber threat intelligence, digital forensics, and incident response.
Furthermore, Mr. Anghelus chaired a closed-door roundtable with representatives from law enforcement and academia specializing in cybercrime. The discussions explored:
- innovative investigative methods for cyber incidents;
- institutional cooperation models;
- the need for robust education and training pipelines in digital forensics and cyber law.
A Trusted Name in Cybersecurity
Prodefence stands out as a trusted partner for public institutions and private entities seeking excellence in cybersecurity operations, digital investigations, and strategic advisory. Through its leadership in CYSCOE and direct involvement in high-impact events like BlackSea Maritime Cybersecurity, Prodefence reinforces its commitment to securing digital borders and supporting cross-sector collaboration in the face of modern cyber threats.
