Because cyber security is first and foremost a cultural issue

In today's interconnected world, computer security is an absolute priority for every company. Protecting an organisation, however, does not only mean relying on advanced technologies: it is essential to develop a solid awareness of the risks related to the cyber world, involving every single employee. How, however, can we raise the awareness of an entire organisation on these issues?

Valentina Matturro, head of Cyber Security Awareness & Cooperation at Terna, tells how technology and the human factor intertwine in her daily role. For the past three years in the company, she has dedicated herself to training and raising awareness among colleagues on cyber dangers, demonstrating that security is not just a technical issue, but a shared responsibility.

«Cyber Security is not just a topic for technicians: it affects all of us», explains Valentina Matturro. «Many people think that security is the exclusive job of specialists, but our goal is to make it clear that every colleague is an essential part of corporate defence: our first line of protection».

Computer security was an unexpected discovery for Matturro: an unplanned path that turned out to be rich in satisfaction. With a background in economics and initial experience in consulting, she approached Cyber Security almost by chance. In Terna, she found the ideal environment to combine technical skills with soft skills such as communication and problem solving. Since joining the company that manages the national electricity transmission grid, Valentina Matturro has had a very positive perception, both from a human and a professional point of view: «What motivated me from day one was the approach to Cyber Security from a more human point of view», she says.

Her work within the Cyber Security team focuses mainly on theaspect of training and communication to build awareness.

Making people aware of the dangers posed by cyber criminals is therefore the main objective of the function headed by Valentina Matturro, turning what was previously considered a weakness into a strength. For too long, in fact, the human factor has been seen as the weakest link in computer security. Overcoming this limiting perception is a priority today: «we do not want to see the human factor as a vulnerability, but as the first line of defence», Matturro emphasises.

Indeed, “cyber criminals” tend to exploit people's distractions and emotions rather than attempting to “attack” through advanced technologies. Thanks to the work of the team, this mentality is changing.

To translate this vision into reality, education plays a central role. Through a targeted programme and engaging initiatives, Valentina Matturro and the Cyber Security Awareness & Cooperation team have demonstrated that awareness can become a real asset.

The awareness initiatives are part of the Cyber Security Awareness "Digital Antibodies" programme, which aims to make people understand that cyber security is not just a technical issue, but concerns every person working at Terna. The programme includes training courses, monthly newsletters, articles on the company intranet and practical simulations to develop a critical and proactive approach.

Among the most popular activities is the Cyber Escape Room, an interactive experience that combines learning and fun. Now in its third year in 2024, this initiative has been a great success, fostering collaboration between colleagues. «Gamification makes training more engaging and memorable», Matturro emphasises. «We have received very positive feedback: this method helps, in fact, to internalise concepts more effectively».

In addition to internal outreach, we also collaborate with external stakeholders, such as universities, industry associations and others in the energy field. A significant example is the participation in Cyber Europe 2024: an exercise organised by the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA), which tested crisis management capabilities in the energy sector.

«Information sharing is essential to anticipate common threats and develop robust solutions» explains Terna's Head of Cyber Security Awareness & Cooperation. «We collaborate with institutes of excellence such as the Campus Bio-Medico in Rome, promoting advanced training through masters and dedicated courses. This exchange of knowledge makes it possible to keep preparedness high and to develop new defence strategies».

For those aspiring to a career in Cyber Security, Matturro offers clear advice: combine technical skills with soft skills such as communication, problem solving and, above all, a lot of curiosity.

Looking to the future, she is optimistic: «Terna is constantly investing in training and new technologies to better meet the challenges ahead». Her vision is clear: Cyber Security is not just a technical issue, but a collective endeavour that requires everyone's contribution. «Only by working together can we overcome the challenges of an increasingly digitised world» she concludes. Thanks to the work of Matturro and her team, Terna is building a cyber security culture that not only protects the company, but also promotes a strong sense of shared responsibility. A virtuous example that can be a reference model for the entire energy sector.