Greece Emerges as a Key Player in Cybersecurity
Greece is rapidly establishing itself as a central hub for cybersecurity in Europe. The country is attracting significant investments from leading international firms, particularly NVISO, a prominent player in the field. NVISO’s investment in Greece is accelerating and has already exceeded initial expectations. The company plans further expansion, including new offices in Thessaloniki. Also, to strengthen the local cybersecurity community, NVISO will host the second edition of the Cybersecurity Challenge Greece in March 2025, a capture-the-flag competition aimed at students.
A Prominent Development
This important announcement came during a panel discussion held in December at the Emerging Tech Forum 2024. The forum was organized by the Hellenic Emerging Technologies Industry Association (HETiA) at the Grande Bretagne Hotel in Athens. Initiated by Enterprise Greece, the event highlighted substantial investments in the technology sector, underscoring Greece’s growing importance in cybersecurity services. Executives from various international and local companies gathered to discuss key trends shaping the future of emerging technologies.
Positive Investment Climate
Jan De Blauwe, Chief Operating Officer of NVISO and Managing Director of NVISO Greece, shared his positive outlook on the investment. He noted that Greece offers a favorable investment climate, a skilled workforce , and a flexible regulatory framework. De Blauwe stated, “The country offers a positive investment climate, an exceptionally skilled workforce, and an attractive, flexible regulatory framework. ” He also emphasized the significant role of the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) in fostering a direct connection between Greece and the international cybersecurity community.
The Cost of Cyberattacks
De Blauwe also highlighted the staggering $10 trillion annual cost of cyberattacks to the global economy. He underlined the urgent need for effective cybersecurity measures to protect vital infrastructure and digital services. Furthermore, he encouraged young professionals to consider careers in this rapidly evolving and critical industry.
Support from Enterprise Greece
Elias Eliades, Director of Investment Promotion at Enterprise Greece for Industry and Technology, spoke about the various initiatives driving technology investments in Greece. Key programs include the Greece 2.0 funding initiative, tax incentives for research and development, and significant investments in data centers and 5G infrastructure. He also mentioned Enterprise Greece’s role in facilitating NVISO’s investment.
A Bright Future for Cybersecurity in Greece
Dr. Marinos Giannopoulos , CEO of Enterprise Greece, underscored the country’s swift transformation into a cybersecurity leader. He highlighted the importance of strategic initiatives that support innovation, ensuring that Greece remains an attractive destination for cutting-edge technology investments.
About NVISO
NVISO is a cybersecurity consulting firm that specializes in the financial sector, technology sector, and government and critical infrastructure. Established in 2013, NVISO has expanded from five employees in a small office in Brussels to over 200 staff across locations in Belgium, Germany, Greece, and Austria. The firm is recognized for its expertise and has the highest number of SANS authors in the industry. NVISO focuses on expanding its influence to tackle emerging cybersecurity challenges while striving to protect society from significant cyber threats.
About Enterprise Greece
Enterprise Greece is the official investment and trade promotion agency of the Greek State, operating under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Its mission is to support foreign investors and promote Greek products and services internationally. As a key economic hub in Southeast Europe, Greece offers a strategic location, modern infrastructure, and a skilled workforce, making it an attractive destination for investment. Enterprise Greece provides valuable support by offering information on tax regulations, site selection , and financial incentives, while also promoting Greek exports through trade missions and connections with international buyers.
Source: Enterprise Greece
