CEDIA a fundamental pillar in the implementation of Cybersecurity Strategies and Academic Capacity Development in Ecuador.
Ecuador has made significant progress in the International Telecommunication Union's Global Cybersecurity Index, positioning itself as a country on the rise in Latin America. This achievement reflects the commitment and dedication of the country's cybersecurity community, as well as collaborative efforts to improve digital security.
Merili Soosalu, regional leader for the Latin America and Caribbean Programme of the EU CyberNet project and the Latin America and Caribbean Cyber Capabilities Centre (LAC4), funded by the European Union, highlighted CEDIA 's fundamental role in these achievements. “CEDIA has been a key partner in our cybersecurity work in Ecuador for the past three years. Together we have raised awareness about cybersecurity and shared Estonian and European Union expertise with the CEDIA community on several occasions,” said Soosalu, who works at the Estonian National Agency for Cybersecurity and Information Systems, the entity responsible for implementing these initiatives.
One of the most significant achievements is Ecuador's remarkable progress in the global cybersecurity index. Ecuador is now recognized as a leading country in Latin America, demonstrating the commitment and dedication of the country's cybersecurity community. "This progress showcases the commitment and dedication of the cybersecurity community in Ecuador. It is also the result of our collaborative efforts to improve cybersecurity in the country," added Soosalu.
To strengthen cybersecurity in Ecuador, collaboration with initiatives such as Cyber4Dev and EUCyberNet has facilitated the transfer of advanced knowledge and experience from Europe and Estonia to the country. Over the past three years, CEDIA has played a key role as a strategic partner in these initiatives, focusing on cybersecurity awareness and the development of academic CSIRTs to build local capabilities.
As part of these efforts, a study visit to Estonia was organized in the fall of 2022, where staff from the Corporation and the Ecuadorian Government had the opportunity to learn firsthand about Estonia's cybersecurity strategies, as well as the crucial role academia plays in the implementation and continuous improvement of these policies. This exchange demonstrated that CEDIA is a key player in the cybersecurity ecosystem in Ecuador, facilitating innovation and capacity building for the benefit of society.
The strategies of these projects include strengthening critical digital infrastructure, training local specialists, and fostering international cooperation to create a more secure and resilient cyber environment. Thanks to these initiatives and close collaboration between local and international entities, Ecuador is moving toward a more secure and reliable digital future.
