Katowice has become the epicentre of Central Europe’s cyber defence debate as the Cybersec Expo & Forum 2026 opened on Monday. Over two days, government officials, military leaders, business executives and academics are gathering under the motto “We are the firewall” to tackle the escalating digital threats facing Poland and the region.
The scale of the challenge is stark. In 2025 Poland recorded 144% more cyber incidents than the previous year. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Affairs Krzysztof Gawkowski, speaking at the European Economic Congress in Katowice, made it clear that the era of carefree internet use is over. – We are living through a digital war, and in a digital war there are no civilians – he said. His warning sets the tone for an event that blends strategic debate with practical solutions.
This year’s edition focuses on four pillars: geopolitics, regulation, operations and technology. Key sessions cover the implementation of the NIS2 directive and the amended Polish Cybersecurity Act, protection of critical infrastructure, artificial intelligence threats, disinformation and sector-specific resilience in energy, finance, healthcare and industry. Poland’s cybersecurity budget for 2026 exceeds PLN 5 billion, with over PLN 700 million earmarked for digital skills alone.
Regulatory overhaul and technological sovereignty
One of the central themes is Europe’s technological sovereignty. Participants are debating whether the continent can build its own digital independence in a landscape dominated by global tech giants. The new regulations – NIS2 and the Cyber Resilience Act – are changing the rules of the game for businesses and public institutions alike. Poland’s amended Cybersecurity Act, which transposes the EU directive, is already forcing organisations to reassess their security postures.
– Cybersecurity is no longer a topic for IT departments alone. It is about business continuity, state security and citizen trust – said Aleksandra Helbin, editor-in-chief of WNP. Her comment reflects a broader shift in perception: digital resilience now determines the functioning of entire sectors, from energy grids to hospital systems.
From threat intelligence to talent shortage
The second day of the forum zooms in on sectoral resilience and workforce challenges. Panels cover the collaboration between the military, government and private sector in recruiting cybersecurity talent, the evolving role of CISOs and CIOs, and dual-use technologies. Smart city security and education as a long-term investment in digital resilience are also on the agenda.
A highlight of the first day is the presentation of the third edition of the report “Cyberportret polskiego biznesu 2026” by ESET and DAGMA Bezpieczeństwo IT. The data reveals the growing complexity of threats facing Polish organisations, from ransomware to state-sponsored espionage. In the evening, the Cybersec Awards gala will honour individuals and teams that set new standards in digital protection – from visionaries to defenders of critical infrastructure.
The conference also addresses Poland’s potential as an exporter of cybersecurity solutions. With a rapidly maturing sector and strong home‑grown companies, the country is positioning itself as a regional hub for cybersecurity innovation. The message from Katowice is clear: in the digital war, collective defence is the only viable strategy.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. PTWP
