SAND5G Webinar

The webinar “5G Cybersecurity through the Lens of Business” was successfully held on 25 February 2026 as an online event organized by p-NET Emerging Networks & Verticals, in collaboration with the SAND5G Project Consortium.

As the third webinar in the “Through the Lens of…” series, the session focused on the business dimension of cross-border cybersecurity within 5G+ ecosystems, highlighting practical, scalable, and cost-effective security solutions for European SMEs. The event brought together industry experts and stakeholders to discuss how cybersecurity functions not only as a technical necessity but also as a strategic enabler of market trust, resilience, and competitiveness.

Agenda & Presentations

Athanassios-Staveris-Polykalas

Athanassios Staveris-Polykalas

Senior Cybersecurity Specialist, p-NET Emerging Networks & Verticals

Opening Remarks & Introduction to 5G Cybersecurity from a Business Perspective

Athanassios Staveris-Polykalas is a cybersecurity expert and digital transformation consultant with extensive experience in telecommunications, cybersecurity policy, and the application of artificial intelligence in public administration and private sector operations. As the former Secretary General of Telecommunications and Posts in Greece, he led key national projects that strengthened the country’s digital infrastructure. He was responsible for the implementation of the European emergency number 112, improving the efficiency and coordination of emergency services. He also oversaw the rollout of Ultra-Fast Broadband, expanding high-speed internet access across the country. In addition, Athanassios developed national cybersecurity policies aimed at protecting critical infrastructure and aligning Greece with EU cybersecurity directives.

Athanassios currently advises organizations on the integration of AI technologies and the development of cybersecurity frameworks. At the Hellenic Development Bank, he supports projects focused on improving internal processes and decision-making through AI-driven data analysis and automation. He also works with UNDP on digital transformation initiatives that promote secure and sustainable development. His work ensures that digital technologies are implemented effectively while maintaining regulatory compliance and security standards.

Ovidiu Mihaila

Ovidiu Mihaila

Innovation Funding Manager, Bitdefender

From Product to Trust: Cybersecurity as a market entry condition for European SMEs

Ovidiu is an Innovation funding expert at Bitdefender, working at the intersection of cybersecurity, European funding programmes, and market adoption. With over 10 years of experience supporting startups, SMEs, and deep-tech companies, his focus is on translating advanced cybersecurity innovations into fundable, scalable, and commercially viable solutions, particularly within EU-funded initiatives.

Kostas-Poulios

Kostas Poulios

Senior Manager, Sphynx

5G Cybersecurity Platforms as Business Decision Support Systems for SMEs

Kostas Poulios is a senior technology leader, enterprise architect, and programme manager with a professional background in consulting, software engineering, systems integration, and cybersecurity dating back to 2001. He joined SPHYNX in 2021, where he provides strategic and technical leadership, guides product development, and manages a portfolio of EU-funded innovation projects. He is also actively involved in mentoring teams and aligning technology execution with business and regulatory objectives.

Prior to SPHYNX, he spent more than a decade at Centrica Plc (UK) in senior management roles, including Global Head of Integration, leading enterprise-wide integration strategies and establishing Centres of Excellence. He began his career as a SAP consultant and has since directed large-scale programmes across the energy, telecommunications, and consulting sectors.

Wissam-Mallouli

Wissam Mallouli

Senior Researcher and CTO, Montimage (France)

Smart and Practical Cybersecurity Solutions for SMEs in 5G+ Networks: Experience from Montimage

Wissam Mallouli is a cybersecurity expert and researcher at Montimage, France, with extensive experience in network security, monitoring, and automated security testing. He has been actively involved in multiple European R&I projects, contributing to the design of resilient, trustworthy, and AI-assisted cybersecurity solutions for complex systems, including 5G and beyond networks. His work focuses on practical and business-oriented security approaches for SMEs, combining formal methods, AI techniques, and real-world deployment experience. Wissam regularly contributes to standardization, training activities, and international conferences, bridging the gap between research and industrial needs.

The webinar concluded with a Q&A session, during which the presenters addressed questions regarding the role of AI in incident response and whether it can be fully trusted, how cybersecurity solutions in 5G+ environments can be better tailored to the specific operational and financial realities of SMEs, and whether SMEs fall within the scope of the NIS2 Directive in the context of 5G cybersecurity. The discussion provided practical, business-oriented guidance and valuable insights for participants navigating the evolving 5G cybersecurity landscape.