3rd Cyber Security Conference

Charalambos Charalambous is a seasoned information security professional with a proven track record of success. He is currently the President of the ISACA Cyprus Chapter and an Information Systems Auditor at Bank of Cyprus. Charalambos has a comprehensive understanding of multiple aspects of information security, including governance, risk, compliance, audit, privacy regulations and project management. He has extensive hands-on experience with a wide range of technical solutions, including Symantec DLP, Nessus Vulnerability Scanners, MobileIron MDM, Blue Coat Proxies, Cisco Routers/Switches/WLC/ASAs, Checkpoint Firewalls, KEMP Load Balancers and Riverbed Network Accelerators. Charalambos holds a number of professional and academic qualifications, including: BSc in Computer Science, MSc in International Management and Marketing, ISACA CISM - Certified Information Security Manager, ISACA CISA - Certified Information Systems Auditor, ISACA CRISC - Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control, ISACA CDPSE - Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer, ISACA CGEIT - Certified in Governance of Enterprise IT, (ISC)² CISSP - Certified Information Systems Security Professional, (ISC)² CCSP - Certified Cloud Security Professional.

Philippos Hadjizacharias is a graduate of the Pancyprian Lyceum of Larnaca. He obtained a degree in Accounting from Birmingham, holds AAT, FCCA, MA Taxation degrees in European Law from the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies in London as well as an Effective Leadership certificate from the University of Oxford. He is a member of the Association of Chartered Accountants of Cyprus, which he served in various positions. He is a founding member of PHS & Partners based in Larnaca. He served as Non-Executive Director as well as Financial - Tax Consultant in multinational companies

Costas Efthymiou is the Team Leader of the Regulatory, Strategy and Supervision Team at the Digital Security Authority of Cyprus, with a BSc in Electronic Systems Engineering and a MSc in Communications Systems and Signal Processing. He is a communications networks, information security and cybersecurity specialist with over 20 years of experience in communications network and security research, development and regulation.In his current position, his responsibilities include coordinating the development and implementation of a number of National Cybersecurity Strategy and Critical Information Infrastructure Protection actions, with representation of Cyprus in key European fora for national cybersecurity development. He has managed a number of projects related to the establishment and operations of the Digital Security Authority according to the NIS Directive, and has acted as expert evaluator for related Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Projects.

Bharat Thakrar has over 18 years’ experience in the cybersecurity industry and he was the cybersecurity lead and Head of Cyber Resilience at BT. He now works as a CISO/BISO and board-level advisor. He specialises in cyber risk, incidence response, threat intelligence, IAM, zero trust and engaging CXO’s on cyber scenario planning. Bharat is a regular conference chair/keynote speaker, visiting lecturer on BSc/MSc courses and was consultant and advisor on the UK Cyber Security Council (UKCSC) Formation Programme. Bharat has an MBA from Imperial College and is CISSP certified.

Gustavo Frega is the Europe Regional Success Manager for ISACA, focused on developing key relationships with ISACA Chapters (Regional Volunteers Associations), Governments and Public Entities and Academic Institutions. Experienced in International Business Development, Sales, Marketing and Training with over 20 years of experience within the Telco, IT and Cybersecurity. Gustavo has led teams in the EMEA region focused on developing relationships with governments and academia and has also created successful channel models. He has been responsible for the Cybersecurity strategy of different organizations getting involved from product conception to GTM with a special focus on achieving results.

Mani Janakiraman is a passionate product leader architecting innovative solutions on Governance, Risk, Regulation, Compliance (GRC) and Cyber Security projects in the financial services, Public Utilities and Non-profit sectors. Mani Janakiraman has a proven ability to think and act strategically, translating strategies into prioritised work plans working in complex and challenging environments, his specialism being Digital Transformation through Scrum (Agile) Framework, Crisis Management, Product Management, Business Analysis et al., Previous experience includes senior Global project roles with UBS and Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank, Street Global Advisors (ssga), Bank of New York Mellon (BNYM), Mediolanum International Funds Limited (MIFL) along with Bank of Ireland. He has a rich multicultural (multinational) work experience across 3 Continents - Europe (UK, Germany, Switzerland & Ireland), Asia (India, Singapore, Japan, Australia) and North America (United States)

Panayiotis Kyriakou as a valued member of the IthacaLabs™ Cybersecurity Team at Odyssey, he brings a fresh perspective to the field, specializing in Internal Network penetration testing and Social Engineering campaigns. He plays a pivotal role within the team, providing essential consultations to Odyssey’s discerning clientele, ensuring their preparedness to confront continually evolving cyber threats. Panayiotis is part of the Offensive (Red Team) efforts, where he honed his skills in Internal Networks penetration testing. His extensive involvement in numerous high-profile cybersecurity incidents equip him to promptly and effectively identify and counter even the most advanced cyber threats. Panayiotis holds a strong academic foundation with a BSc in Computer Science and a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity.

Irene Selia, a visionary leader and cybersecurity expert. With almost 15 years of hands-on experience in the information technology and cybersecurity industries, Mrs. Selia has made her mark as the Head of Global Development at Odyssey. Her role involves strategic planning, exploring new markets and growing Odyssey’s presence globally. Throughout her career, Mrs. Selia has served in key roles as Sales, Business Development, and Product Manager at internationally recognized organizations in the European and Asia- Pacific regions. Since joining Odyssey in 2008, she has been integral in developing and implementing the company’s vision of thought leadership in information security. Mrs. Selia holds a BSc. in Computer Science. Her passion, expertise, and strategic planning skills have propelled Odyssey to the forefront of the cybersecurity industry.

Jeremy Thompson supports the Huawei European Management team in the development of Huawei’s European business. This includes aligning Huawei’s strategic development activities and security capabilities with key European customers and Governments. Jeremy joined Huawei UK in 2012 as Deputy Managing Director with specific responsibility for carrier strategy, business change and key customers. In 2015, Jeremy was based in Shenzhen, China. This role included supporting the development of Huawei’s carrier strategy globally and strategy development in Asia, Europe and South America. Prior to Huawei, Jeremy worked for 20 years in senior management roles (including product leadership and telecoms joint venture development) for BT Group in the UK, Spain and the Nordics. He previously worked in the USA and UK for an IBM software company and consulting business. Jeremy attended the University of London, London Business School and University of Greenwich.

Gordon Millar joined the business continuity industry as a Business Continuity Analyst for Bankers Trust in September 1995; although an earlier career in IT operations and project management provided a sound foundation. Gordon went on to work in a Business Continuity and DR consulting role for Standard Life before joining IBM in 2001, where he was the WW Global Partner specialising in Resiliency in the Financial Sector although he has worked extensively in Retail, Airline, Oil & Gas Industries also. Gordon is now Kyndryl’s Strategic Markets Advisory lead for CIR (Cyber Incident Recovery) – in his role Gordon has been involved in many of the largest recent IT outage post-mortems and Root Cause Analysis investigations.

Andreas Christoforides is an IT professional with over 15 years’ experience in the field of Cybersecurity and Data Privacy. An active IT Auditor and Trainer on Information Security & Business Continuity Management Systems. Member of the Cyprus Computer Society, a PECB Speaker and Certified Trainer for ISO/IEC 27001, ISO 22301, and GDPR CDPO. Delivering a wide range of Cybersecurity projects in the areas of strategy, governance and risk management, data privacy and protection (GDPR), and business resilience and recovery. Conducting IT risk assessments and developing IT policies and procedures towards establishing an effective and secure IT Governance Framework. Training employees to be cybersecurity aware and to understand what cyber threats are.

Lampros Katsonis is a cybersecurity consultant and co-founder of Guardbyte, a leading cyber security provider in Cyprus. With a bachelor’s degree in computer science and an MSc in Cybersecurity, I possess a strong academic foundation. Over 13 years in the industry, I have cultivated extensive expertise in safeguarding digital landscapes. My strategic insights and hands-on experience ensure robust protection against evolving threats. I am dedicated to enhancing cyber resilience and crafting innovative solutions. My track record demonstrates an unwavering commitment to securing digital ecosystems and driving organizational success.

Dimitrios Pissanidis is a skilled cybersecurity strategist known for his adaptability and foresight. Excelling in both technical and soft skills, he is proficient in navigating dynamic challenges and creating cohesive team environments. In the realm of work experience, he has distinguished himself through roles such as Chief Information Officer at AlphaOmegaZed S.Ltd, Head of Digital Governance and InfoSec at the Hellenic National Defence, and Chief Information Security Officer at both the Cyprus National Guard and the Headquarters, Formations, and Units of the Supreme Military Support Administration of the Greek Army. Dimitrios has also worked as a Network Administrator and Webmaster for the Hellenic National Defense. On the educational front, Dimitrios is trained in Hellenic Military Cyber-Security and holds an MSc from the National Technical University of Athens. He also has several notable certifications, including PRINCE2, CEH V11, Lead Auditor ISO 27001, and CISSP, which further bolster his credentials and expertise.

Elena is a Senior Cybersecurity Specialist within Cyber Security & IT Assurance with more than seven (7) years of experience in the field of Information Security, IT Audit and Attestation Engagements. Her main areas of focus are the provision of IS/IT reviews as part of Internal and regulatory audits, with emphasis on the effectiveness of the internal control environment, the development of ISMS in line with ISO 27001:2013 and the performance of attestation engagement.

Therapon is leading DataKnights Ltd, a boutique consulting firm focused on digital acceleration, information security and data privacy. At his early career stages Therapon served IBM as a technical leader for networks and later Logicom Solutions as a Managing Director. Also, during his last years of tenure at Logicom, Therapon, managed the Group’s technology strategy team and has led several digital transformation initiatives across the region. Therapon has extensive experience leading operations and driving digital business both in Europe and the Middle East.

Ameet Jugnauth is Vice President of the ISACA London Chapter and a technology & cyber security leader within Financial Services, currently serving as Cyber GRC Director at a top five US bank. With nearly 20 years’ experience of leading large, complex and international transformations, Ameet manages cyber and IT risk programmes, embedding strong strategic plans and governance frameworks, from inception to completion, directing transformations., collaborating at C-suite and Board levels and influencing future plans. His experience in Financial Services is broad, having worked within the insurance, wealth management and banking sectors. Ameet is passionate about the role that GRC has to play in enabling business growth and strategy whilst also being an advocate for diversity of thought leadership as a key driver.

Kishan Majithia is a seasoned technology and cyber risk leader with 15+ years of experience in financial services across 3 tier 1 investment banks with experience in Information Security, Cyber Security and Technology Risk. Professionally trained and currently a holder of 13 industry certifications across Cloud Security, Risk and Cyber.

Ramsés Gallego with an MBA and Law education, is a +25 year security professional with deep expertise in the Risk Management and Governance areas. Ramsés is now International Chief Technology Officer with OpenText Cybersecurity, where he defines the vision and mission, purpose and promise of the division and holds the following professional accreditations: CISM, CGEIT, CISSP, SCPM, CCSK, ITIL and COBIT Foundations. An internationally recognized public speaker, has visited +25 different countries in the past 12 months and has been awarded ‘Best Speaker’ in four continents. He is also a Six Sigma Black Belt professional and is proud of being Past International VP for ISACA’s Board of Directors and Past President and now Ambassador of the Barcelona Chapter. Ramsés is also Executive Vice President of the Quantum World Association and has had the US flag flown on his honor at The Capitol, in Washington DC, USA.

Paris P. Savva is a seasoned and self-motivated Sales Manager with extensive experience in the industry for almost 20 years, currently serving as a Regional Manager for Fortinet. Over the years, he has demonstrated a remarkable track record in collaborating with sales teams to achieve goals, increase revenue, and advance the sales cycle. Paris has evolved into a skilled Senior Manager with expertise in strategic planning, business development, change management, and digital transformation. His leadership abilities extend to creating new business relationships, building sales channels, and implementing strategies for customer retention. In addition to his Microsoft tenure, Paris has held key roles such as Group Operations Manager at Earth goodies Ltd and Senior Account Manager at H.S. Data Ltd. His responsibilities have encompassed areas such as operational efficiency enhancement, financial management, strategic planning, and relationship development with major clients. Paris holds a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing and Advertising from the American College of Greece (Degree) and has pursued additional courses in Microsoft Business Productivity, High-Performance Mindset, and more. Actively engaged in the professional community, he serves as a Board Member in prominent organizations including the American Chamber of Commerce Cyprus and Cyprus IT Enterprises Association, reflecting his commitment to industry development and collaboration. Paris is driven by a mission to facilitate organizations in their digital transformation journey, leveraging modern tools to enhance collaboration, talent empowerment, and overall productivity.

ALPHA OMEGA ZED is a company with a portfolio of digital transformation and cyber security solutions. Our purpose is to achieve a competitive advantage and sustainable growth for our customers by providing leadingedge technology and high-end services. In collaboration with Stellar Cyber we provide a unified Open XDR platform for security operations. We also offer to our customers a full range of top-tier cybersecurity services to strengthen their business and high-end consulting services in Quality Assurance and Information Security. Lastly, we develop, implement and support, custom information communication technology (ICT) systems.

DataKnights is a consulting company focused on digital transformation, data privacy, and information security. DataKnights was founded in 2017 and already has a portfolio of more than 100 satisfied customers and has completed more than 150 projects across a diverse range of industries, such as Public and Private Health Organizations, Media Companies, Education Institutions, Financial Services, Telecommunications Industry and more. DataKnights is committed in providing exceptional consulting services, always in a vendor agnostic approach and independent from any solution or implementation provider, representing the best interests of its customers. It provides consulting services to organizations to define and execute their digital strategy, provide business analysis and requirements definition to enable such a journey, provide data protection and information security services and manage and monitor complex digital projects.

Fortinet (NASDAQ: FTNT) secures the largest enterprise, service provider, and government organizations around the world. Fortinet empowers its customers with intelligent, seamless protection across the expanding attack surface and the power to take on ever-increasing performance requirements of the borderless network—today and into the future. Only the Fortinet Security Fabric architecture can deliver security without compromise to address the most critical security challenges, whether in networked, application, cloud, or mobile environments. Fortinet ranks number one in the most security appliances shipped worldwide and more than 500,000 customers trust Fortinet to protect their businesses.

In Cyprus, Huawei leads Information & Communications Technology (ICT) Solutions. In the field of Telecommunications Providers, Huawei continuously provides all providers with competitive, innovative and uninterrupted high-speed fixed and mobile networks, as well as value-added know-how with significant benefits for the country. In the field of Corporate/Business customers, Huawei introduces digital, innovative ideas and pilot applications in both the public and private sectors. Huawei’s vision and mission is to bring a fully connected digital world to every person, home and organization.

KPMG has been operating in Cyprus since 1948 and currently employs more than 800 professionals working from 6 offices across the island. It is a member of KPMG International Limited, a global organisation of independent professional services firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services. KPMG operates in 143 countries and territories and has approximately 273,000 people working in member firms around the world. Clients look to KPMG for a consistent standard of service based on high-order professional capabilities, industry insight, local knowledge and expertise.

Odyssey is a leader in Cybersecurity, supporting organizations around the globe to become cyber resilient by building an effective and applicable Cybersecurity Strategy. For more than two decades Odyssey empowers customers to adhere to compliance requirements and effectively manage their digital risks to be able to effectively anticipate, respond, swiftly recover, and adapt to the destructive threats of a dynamically expanding threat landscape. Odyssey’s holistic approach combines five pillars of solutions, services and products: Advisory Services (GRC), Managed Security / Detection & Response Services (MSDR), ClearSkies™ Threat & Vulnerability Management Platform, Cloud Security and Integrated Solutions. Each of the five pillars, both separately or combined, enable organizations to manage emerging Digital Risks, in all operational aspects of your organization: People, Process and Technology.

TheMagnet® is a management and technology consulting firm. It is a platform of trusted Advisors for all type of businesses that provides innovative, tailor-made business consultancy services and complete solutions across all industries by leveraging best practices, skills and know-how. Our team of experts can help businesses understand which trends will exert the strongest impact on various sectors within the business ecosystem. https://themagnet.com.cy https://themagnet.com.cy/services/themagnet-cybersecurity/

ISACA Cyprus Chapter, the locally established chapter of ISACA International, is an independent non-profit organisation and its purpose is to help business technology professionals and their enterprises realize the positive potential of technology. Today, ISACA international serves more than 165,000 professionals in 180+ countries, who covers a variety of professional IT-related positions, information systems or IT auditors, internal auditors, governance, security and risk professionals, consultants, educators, and C-suite executives. They serve professionals in nearly every industry. ISACA engages in the development, adoption and use of globally accepted, industry-leading knowledge and practices for information systems and in the provision of the professional qualifications CISA™, CRISC™, CISM™, CGEIT™, CSX-P™, CDPSE™, ITCA™ and CET™.

IMH is a leading Corporate Events, Media, Business Intelligence and Networking organisation with a vast annual agenda of over 300 conferences, business forums, exhibitions, investment summits, client events and business awards ceremonies. Organised by IMH in Cyprus and abroad, these are considered to be Cyprus’ largest business and professional networking platforms. Our Business Media Department publishes Cyprus’ two most popular monthly business magazines– IN Business and GOLD –and two digital media platforms, IN Business News and CBN (Cyprus Business News) with their Daily Newsletters providing executives with news and updates on the local business and economic landscape, in Greek and English respectively. Our Consumer Media Department operates REPORTER, one of the country's most popular news portals, as well as SUPER FM, Cyprus’ Number 1 Greek music radio station. IMH also participates in Cyprus Government, EU and other international organisations’ projects and programmes www.imhbusiness.com

For more than 30 years, ESET has been developing technologies which protect businesses across 200 countries worldwide. We are pioneers in building a stable and ultimate digital security for your endpoints, business data and users. For those who turn their attention to cloud solutions, we offer highly competitive bundles that can respond effectively to the most demanding environment. Maintaining a strong and leading presence in Greece and Cyprus and utilizing a long experience, we have those specialized teams, which offer our partners the required added value in order to jointly build a comprehensive, functional and reliable cyber security strategy, based on the specific needs of each case.

GUARDBYTE is an end-to-end cyber security solutions provider, catering to various business verticals, including healthcare institutions, government departments, educational and retails sectors etc. Our approach is based on efficiency, productivity, and guarantee. We provide cutting edge solutions and services, tailored to our clients’ needs and challenges, while guaranteeing total security, time and resource optimization, training, and assistance.

Reg4Tech Ltd (part of the FINCAP Advisers Group of Companies) is an IT Audit and IT Consulting services provider with a vast portfolio of offerings across industries. Our mission is to assist our clients to enhance their Information Security so they can meet their stakeholders’ requirements, while boosting their market image. Our services ranges but not limited to Information Systems (IS) Audits, IT Risk Management, IT Governance / Information Security (ISO 27001), Data Protection, IT Regulatory Compliance (EBA ICT & Outsourcing, SWIFT, GDPR, NIS2, DORA, etc) Third Party Assurance controls reporting (ISAE 3402 / SOC1 & ISAE 3000 / SOC2), Business Continuity Management (ISO 22301), Security awareness and Data Protection trainings.

Being one of the 190+ chapters of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), the Cyprus Chapter of the ACFE is an anti-fraud organization that serves professionals, students and communities in Cyprus. The objec¬tive of the Cyprus Chapter of the ACFE is to promote improved fraud detection and deterrence. This is achieved through enhancement of knowledge, promotion of networking opportunities and support for its members and the business, academic and government community.

The Cyprus Computer Society (CCS) is a professional, scientific and independent non-profit organization, founded in 1984 with the aim of developing, upgrading and promoting the IT sector in Cyprus. CCS seeks to set high standards among industry professionals, recognizing the impact that Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) has on employment, business, society and the quality of life of the citizen. Playing a key role in connecting academics with the professional sector, the Association promotes key issues in the industry, especially in the fields of digital literacy, professional skills, professionalism, education, training and research. (https://ccs.org.cy/en/)

The Cyprus Information Technology Enterprises Association (CITEA) was established in 1987 and is an active member of the Cyprus Employers and Industrialists Federation (OEB), the World Information Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA) and the European IT Federation (Digital Europe). The purpose of the Association is to play a key role in the promotion and balanced development of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in Cyprus, utilizing modern technologies as a vehicle for economic development and change in the information society. CITEA members are key information technology stakeholders in Cyprus and are the main implementors of digital transformation projects in the public and private sector.

National Betting Authority is a legal entity of public law and is governed by the Betting Law of 2019. The Authority is responsible for the licensing, regulation and supervision of the betting activity which is conducted within the Republic of Cyprus. Furthermore, the Authority has the responsibility for collaboration and discussion with competent agencies, public services and international organisations for issues relating to the betting industry. Moreover, it is responsible for the implementation of specific measures to be taken for the protection of young people, vulnerable groups from addiction to betting. For more information, see the website www.nba.gov.cy

GOLD was first published in 2011 as the first monthly English-language business magazine in Cyprus. Today, it not only consistently promotes good business practices, focusing on the promotion of Cyprus as an international business centre, but has a unique readership, comprising High Net Worth Individ­uals, executives of international companies, and English-speaking Cypriot and non-Cypriot busi­nessmen and women.

The English-speaking white-collar communi­ty of Cyprus, which includes well over 50,000 entrepreneurs, managers and professionals, has been growing fast in recent years. Its members work­ in diverse sectors, including Shipping, Financial Services, ICT, Gaming, Media, Communications, Trading, Insur­ance, Supply Chain, etc. In 2023, building on the success of GOLD, the only monthly English-language business magazine in Cyprus, IMH launched CBN (Cyprus Business News), a new English-language portal, app and newsletter focused on business and investment. This new and ex­citing portal aims to become the daily source of information on business in Cyprus for all English-speaking professionals based on the island, as well as for hundreds of thousands of professionals all over the world wishing to do business with Cyprus. Through strategic collaborations with relevant bodies and organisations, CBN gathers the corporate news of all foreign companies and investments in Cyprus and disseminates it to the broader reading public.

The CBN Daily Newsletter is delivered daily via e-mail.

As the flagship publication within IMH’s media brands, IN Business magazine, has a 16-year history, during which thousands of examples of good business practices by businesses and businesspeople, brands, commercial practices and developments have been showcased. The aim of IN Business was – and continues to be – the promotion of good Cypriot business. www.inbusinessnews.com