Cybersecurity continues to evolve at arapid pace, demanding adaptability and forward-thinking strategies from industry leaders. This year, the CYBERSTAND Annual Event—the flagship gathering of the CYBERSTAND.eu project—proved to be a pivotal moment in this evolution. With key players like Lenka Gondová from NBU (Narodny Bezpecnostny Urad) actively involved, the event marked a strategic leap in how weapproach digital product and service security.

Marking a Strategic Shift: From Horizontal to Vertical Standards

One of the defining themes of this year’sevent was the transition in cybersecurity standards development. Until recently, much of the focus had been on creating horizontal standards—broad, cross-sectoral requirements defined by the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) that apply universally to digital products and services.

However, the industry is now turning its attention to vertical standards: tailored guidelines that address the unique cybersecurity needs of specific sectors and product categories.

This shift was more than just a change offocus; it was about providing greater precision and effectiveness in how we safeguard our digital infrastructure, ensuring that each sector’s distinct challenges are met with solutions that fit.

Fostering Collaboration and Promoting Innovation

The CYBERSTAND Annual Event served as acrucible for this next phase. It provided a collaborative platform to promote the CYBERSTAND Specific Service Procedures (SSPs) and strengthened bonds with initiatives like

STAN4CR. By bringing together thought leaders, innovators, and experts from across the cybersecurity spectrum, the event amplified the collective effort required to tackle emerging threats.

Looking Ahead: Securing a Trustworthy Digital Landscape

As the digital world becomes ever moreinterconnected, the importance of standards that both unify and specialise cannot be overstated. The CYBERSTAND Annual Event highlighted a pivotal time of transformation, where collaboration, innovation, and sector-specific expertise set the course for a more secure digital future.

Stay tuned for further reflections andoutcomes from the event—and see how Trustboost, the NBU, and a host of industry pioneers are redefining what it means to be cyber-resilient in 2025 and beyond.