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Event Details

CYBER ROOT 2025

Date: Wednesday, 29th October 2025

Time: 08:00 onwards

Venue: DoubleTree by Hilton Malta

Speakers

Emanuel Darmanin
Chief Executive Officer, MITA
Joyce Dimech
Permanent Secretary for the Ministry for Home Affairs, Security and Employment
Luca Tagliaretti
Executive Director at EU Cybersecurity Competence Centre
Jonathan Cassar
Chief Information Security Officer, MITA
Matthew Agius Mamo
Chief Executive Officer, DILIGEX
Mikko Hyppönen
Global Technology Expert and Chief Research Officer, Sensofusion
Holly Foxcroft
Cybersecurity Leader and Diversity Champion
Nicole Wong
Principal Analyst Consultant and EMEA Threat Operations Pillar Lead, Darktrace
Josianne Cutajar
Former member of European Parliament
Jane Frankland MBE
Chief Executive Officer, KnewStart
Monica Verma
Hacker, CISO, Founder and CEO

Programme

WEDNESDAY, 29TH OCTOBER 2025

8:00 am - 9:00 am
REGISTRATION
9:00 am - 9:15 am
WELCOME NOTES

Emanuel Darmanin – Chief Executive Officer, MITA

Joyce Dimech – Permanent Secretary for the Ministry for Home Affairs, Security and Employment

Luca Tagliaretti – Executive Director, ECCC

 

9:15 am - 9:30 am
FIRESIDE CHAT

Jonathan Cassar – Chief Information Security Officer, MITA

Matthew Agius MamoInterviewer – Chief Executive Officer, DILIGEX

9:30 am - 10:15 am
RANSOMWARE: NOW AND IN THE FUTURE

Mikko Hyppönen – Security Expert and Chief Research Officer, Sensofusion

 

Abstract: Over the past decade, ransomware has emerged as the biggest type of cybercrime. Today, the most significant organized online criminal groups are those behind ransomware operations, and there’s no end in sight with new groups continually entering the fray. What will the next decade of ransomware look like?

 

Sponsored by Diligex & Thomas Murray

10:15 am - 11:00 am
Neurodiversity and Cybersecurity: Why we need the out of the box thinkers in our team!

Holly Foxcroft – Cybersecurity Leader and Diversity Champion

 

Abstract: The cyber threat landscape is evolving faster than ever, and so must our teams. Traditional approaches to recruitment and team building often overlook one of the greatest assets we have: neurodiversity. From pattern recognition to hyperfocus, from creative problem-solving to alternative perspectives on risk, individuals with neuro-differences such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and beyond bring unique strengths that can transform how we detect, prevent, and respond to threats. This talk will explore the value of embracing neurodiversity in cybersecurity, tackling common myths, and highlighting practical steps leaders can take to create inclusive environments where every mind can thrive. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how diverse ways of thinking not only foster innovation but also strengthen resilience, collaboration, and trust in security teams.

 

Sponsored by Cybersift and Computime

11:00 am - 11:30 am
COFFEE BREAK
11:30 am - 12:15 pm
The Evolving Threat Landscape: How Attackers Are Targeting Critical Sectors

Nicole Wong – Principal Analyst Consultant and EMEA Threat Operations Pillar Lead, Darktrace

 

Abstract: Cyber threats are no longer one-size-fits-all. Today’s sophisticated attackers are tailoring their approaches to exploit the unique vulnerabilities, operational requirements, and business models of different industries. This presentation reveals how threat actors are adapting their tactics across critical sectors and what organisations can learn from cross-industry attack patterns. 

 

Sponsored by CrabNebula, Comply.Land and MVC

12:15 pm - 1:00 pm
Towards a robust EU Digital Shield

Josianne Cutajar – Former Member of European Parliament

 

Abstract: The session will explore policy initiatives and legislation aimed at enhancing the European Union’s digital resilience and cybersecurity framework. Advancing protections against cyber threats, securing critical digital infrastructure, fostering skills as well as regulatory measures, are all key to safeguard EU citizens, businesses, and public institutions in an increasingly interconnected digital environment. The importance of cross-sectorial and cross-border cooperation in building a robust Digital Shield for Europe will also be addressed.

 

Sponsored by Turing Cyber, EY and ICT Solutions 

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
LUNCH
2:00 pm - 2:45 pm
From Maslow to Malware: Rethinking Cyber Leadership in the Age of AI

Jane Frankland MBE – Chief Executive Officer, KnewStart

 

Abstract: What if your biggest cyber risk wasn’t a hacker – but human nature? In this provocative session, Jane reframes cybersecurity through the lens of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs to explore why so many businesses fail at the basics. She’ll unpack how unmet human needs – like safety, trust, and belonging – create blind spots leaders can’t afford to ignore. Whether you’re new to cyber or building your influence, this talk will shift your thinking from quick fixes to long-term foundations – and challenge you to lead from the front.

 

Sponsored by MDIA and ESET

2:45 pm - 3:30 pm
Innovating with AI without Breaking Trust

Monica Verma – Hacker, CISO, Founder and CEO

 

Abstract: AI is transforming enterprises through anomaly detection, behavioral analytics, and more, yet organizations face unprecedented trust, governance and accountability challenges. In this keynote, Monica Verma, a world-renowned AI and cybersecurity expert and a former CISO, will share how leaders, policy makers and professionals in all sectors need to think about AI risks, threat landscape, and how to build trust, while leveraging AI for business and societal transformation.

 

Sponsored by PwC Malta

3:30 pm - 4:15 pm
CYBER AWARDS
4:15 pm - 4:20 pm
CLOSING NOTE
4:20 pm - 4:45 pm
NETWORKING COFFEE

Digital Magazine

Moments from CYBER ROOT 2025

ORGANISERS

GOLD SPONSORS

NCC
PwC Malta

At PwC Malta Digital Services, we help organisations move faster – we unite expertise and tech so you can outthink, outpace and outperform. Our passion for problem solving takes us across focus areas, from data and AI to cybersecurity, business applications, cloud and infrastructure, and IT managed services, offering end-to-end support throughout the digital transformation journey – from start to finish. As a part of PwC’s global network of over 370,000 people in 149 countries, and by collaborating closely with our alliances, we deliver the best of our collective thinking and drawing from our experience – helping business navigate the digital landscape, adapt to market changes, and realise their full potential in a dynamic environment, whilst creating measurable impact.

More information from the link: www.pwc.com/mt/digital.

NCC
Diligex & Thomas Murray

Diligex is a Malta-based company comprised of seasoned practitioners backed by technology solutions, providing peace of mind and efficiency to clients by managing business risks in AML/CFT, due diligence, compliance, risk and cyber security. Diligex is the authorised Distributor of Thomas Murray’s Orbit Security Cyber Ratings and advisory services in Malta. Read more at www.diligex.eu/cybersecurity.

Thomas Murray is a global risk intelligence company that works primarily with financial services and government organisations to manage and reduce their risk exposure. The firm’s Orbit Risk solution represents a best-in class cyber intelligence and third party risk platform, enabling clients to monitor themselves and their suppliers on an ongoing basis. An expert cyber advisory support team provide services from incident response to threat intelligence and proactive monitoring. Read more at www.thomasmurray.com.

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