Malta’s political will to embrace, adapt and adopt We are also acutely aware of the dangers lurking these seismic changes has positioned our country within this field and recognise that it would be an at the forefront of the technological revolution. exercise in futility if we do not ensure the maximum Only a negligible number of countries have security and resilience possible in the face of managed to emulate the pace of our country’s relentless cyber threats. With the extensive growth progress in digitalisation and even fewer have of digitalisation, the exposure to cybercrime will recognised and fully embraced the potentiality of increase inevitably and therefore the National new technologies. Cyber Security Strategy 2023-2026 has been designed with our country’s future wellbeing in Our pioneering stance, with a wholehearted mind. It lays the groundwork for further investment commitment to continue with the further by Government in cyber security for the next three implementation of technologies, has placed years. Government has a clear leadership role in Malta as a leading digital innovator, a cut well cyber security, but it cannot act alone. Together, above the rest of its European peers. The recent we can foster increased confidence and trust in the global health and economic challenges digital world. This includes a greater propensity demonstrated our reliance on information and towards cyber hygiene, a drive towards attracting communications technology. Malta, by dint of its minds within the cyber security domain as well as solid and unwavering commitment to further co-operation on a national, European and digitalisation, has weathered the storm quite global scale. competently. Ultimately, the cyber threat can never be However, as empowering as our vision is, we also discounted or ignored. The consequences of recognise that with great power comes great suffering a cyberattack would be massive, responsibility. While interconnectedness, through resulting in data loss, system outage and further implementation of technologies, shall allow reputational damage. Unfortunately, it is a threat us to forge further ahead in our administrative, that can never be fully eradicated. The open business and personal activities, we shall continue nature of the cyber world shall always expose us to to launch fiscal measures to strengthen Malta’s such risk, irrespective of measures taken. appeal as a hub for foreign investment in this Nonetheless, together, we can minimise the level sector, while identifying the underlying skill base and impact of these threats, whilst successfully and infrastructure required for it to flourish. But forging ahead in digitalisation. This Strategy will not only this. As we have done in the past, with the pave the way for such action. launching of AI, Space, E-Commerce and E-Skills strategies, we shall continue to identify regulatory Hon. Silvio Schembri policies for the implementation of ethically aligned, Minister for the Economy, European Funds and Lands transparent and socially responsible technologies. 3 National Cyber Security Strategy 2023 - 2026