What is the NCC?
With the launch of Regulation (EU) 2021/887 that saw the creation of the European Cybersecurity Industrial, Technology, and Research Competence Centre (ECCC), National Coordination Centres (NCCs) have been set up in each Member State to support cybersecurity capacity building. The aim is for NCCs to build the necessary capacity at a national level, but also internationally through cross-border cooperation and joint actions.
Locally, Malta has prioritised this regulation and identified MITA to be the National Coordination Centre within Maltese territory. Following this mandate, a dedicated NCC-MT team within MITA’s Information Security and Governance Department (ISGD) was formed.
The Malta Information Technology Agency (MITA) is the public entity responsible for providing ICT infrastructure, systems, and services to the Government that leverage a modern digital ecosystem and contribute towards the definition and execution of the Government’s digital strategies that sustain a modern digital economy.
Malta's NCC has various tasks.
These activities will fulfil the objectives of the Regulation. Albeit NCC-MT is open to additional tasks and objectives as it matures over the years.
Support the ECCC in its mission by acting as Malta’s contact point for cybersecurity-related matters.
Provide expertise to the ECCC and contribute to its strategic tasks.
Contribute to upcoming EU cybersecurity work programmes and calls by participating in working and expert groups established at a national and EU level, and by advising the Maltese delegation sitting on the ECCC Governing Board.
Promote EU funding programmes within Maltese territory, in particular Horizon Europe for research projects and Digital Europe for innovation and deployment projects, in liaison with their respective National Contact Points.
Encourage Maltese entities and provide them technical assistance to apply for EU-funding calls.
Building up the local Cybersecurity Community and keeping it active by organising activities and leading this community from the industry, technological, academic and research community having cybersecurity expertise.
Assess requests by the local entities to join the EU Cybersecurity Competence Community.
Promote, encourage, and facilitate the participation of the civil society, industry, academic institutions, research communities, and other actors in networking and cross-border projects and cybersecurity actions, both at a national and EU-level.
Create synergies with policy development in Malta by adopting national cybersecurity strategies and adhering to relevant national and EU legislations.
Promote and contribute to the building of competencies within cybersecurity by engaging in awareness campaigns and supporting educational programmes, projects, and activities, arising in both the local and EU context.
Provide financial support to the local community to strengthen the uptake of cybersecurity solutions with the intention to enhance the security and resilience of the digital ecosystem.
More information available.
The Team Members
Jonathan Cassar
Katia Bonello
