CyberGuard Conference 2024
A1 bringing together leading global experts on online security.
In general, new technologies like the internet make life easier. But there are downsides, and it is important to use them responsibly. The responsibility for creating a safer online world lies in all parts of society. That was one of the conclusions of the CyberGuard 2024 conference held on October 3 at the Mozaik Event Center in Zagreb.
The growing number of online fraud threats and the increase in potential dangers faced by children, young people, and the public in the business world prompted A1 Croatia and the Center for Safer Internet to organize the “CyberGuard 2024” conference. Its primary goal was to bring together leading experts in the fields of cybersecurity, business security solutions and education. But also, to call for a discussion on protection and responsible behavior on the internet.
Visitors had the opportunity to hear incredible experiences from experts from the USA, the UK, Canada, and Finland, who tirelessly work on combating online violence. Participants could learn more about current topics such as children’s safety on the internet, privacy protection, and business security solutions. These topics were discussed by Nathalie Rayes, the U.S. Ambassador to Croatia, Kristi O’Malley, legal advisor for computer hacking and intellectual property (ICHIP) at the U.S. Department of Justice, Tino Šokić, cybersecurity expert, and many others.
“Social responsibility is deeply ingrained in the DNA of all of us at A1. As an internet service provider, we are aware that this responsibility is greatest in the area of online safety. This is a topic to which we have been dedicating special attention for many years, whether through our #BoljiOnline platform as A1 Croatia, launched in cooperation with the Center for Safer Internet, or through the security solutions and services we provide to businesses” emphasized Dejan Turk, CEO of A1 Croatia and A1 Slovenia.
The conference presented best practices for raising awareness about online dangers and concrete tools for protection, as well as the technical aspects of cybersecurity, providing insights into the latest technologies and data protection methods.
“This conference is a unique opportunity to acquire new knowledge and adopt new perceptions about victims and trauma in the online space, but also to develop tools that can help in the recovery of victims of online sexual abuse. I believe that the experiences of the leading experts will significantly contribute to raising awareness and improving professional work in our regions. The CyberGuard 2024 conference is special because it was organized in cooperation with our long-standing partner A1 Croatia and brings the best of us and the #BoljiOnline platform,” said Tomislav Ramljak, head of the Center for Missing and Abused Children (CNZD) and the Center for Safer Internet (CSI).
Ramljak emphasized that children are often exposed to inappropriate content on the internet, which is why cooperation between parents and institutions is key to creating a better and safer online world.
“The more we inform ourselves about this problem and ways of protection, the more successful we will be in curbing bad behaviors and the consequences of internet use,” said the head of the Center for Safer Internet. Ramljak also called on decision-makers to take all necessary steps in the legal regulation of online safety and protection.
A similar message was sent by the Children’s Ombudswoman in Croatia, Helenca Pirnat Dragičević, who presented a disheartening statistic in her opening speech.
“Research shows that parents in Croatia talk to their children for an average of only seven minutes a day. That is too little. They need to talk much more and, if necessary, educate themselves about online dangers and ways of protection to support their children,” Dragičević emphasized.
And why do victims of online abuse remain silent about their experiences? This was revealed by Catherine Knibbs, a human behavior technologist and director of “Children and Tech UK.”
“Silence comes from the fear of rejection. Abused children usually experience threats and blackmail. They are told that their loved ones will reject them if they confess to anyone what is happening to them. Children need other people to survive. What we can do is start having conversations with the youngest ones that create open dialogue, and this requires adults to become aware of how they talk to children and create a safe space for sensitive topics. Parents need to stay calm and control their reactions so they can regulate children’s emotions and assure them that they can reach out no matter what,” said the expert.
The first panel “Are We #BetterOnline (#BoljiOnline)?” raised important questions about the state of affairs in Croatia and ways to improve the digital world. The panel discussion covered topics such as cyberbullying, protecting children in the online world, and projects like the Gen Z Academy and the School of Responsible Influencing. The second panel “The Future of Cybersecurity – What Awaits Us?” focused on business security and new technological trends such as artificial intelligence in ICT.
Photo-Credits: A1 Croatia
