On 21–22 November 2024, the Maritime University of Constanta hosted the inaugural edition of the BlackSea Maritime Cybersecurity conference series, under the theme “Countering Cybercrime Threats in the Current Context of the Conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East”. The event was organized by the Maritime Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence (MARCYSCOE), in partnership with Ovidius University of Constanta, University of Bucharest, Babeș-Bolyai University (UBB) in Cluj, and the University of Alba Iulia.
This first conference brought together cybersecurity experts, academic representatives, and international researchers to examine the regulatory landscape and the legal complexity involved in investigating cybercrime in conflict-affected regions. As modern warfare becomes increasingly digitalized, the need for harmonized legal frameworks capable of investigating cyberattacks—particularly those targeting critical infrastructure—becomes urgent.
Key topics included:
- the harmonization of legal frameworks for cybercrime investigations;
- the role of international cooperation in cybercrime response;
- the challenges posed by hybrid warfare and digital aggression.
CYSCOE’s Participation
CYSCOE was represented at the highest level by Alexandru Anghelus, the Cluster President and a cybersecurity expert. In his public address, he presented a real-world financial fraud case resulting from a cyberattack involving data theft through malware, highlighting the attack methods used, intrusion vectors, and forensic investigation techniques.
Additionally, Alexandru Anghelus led a closed roundtable discussion, attended exclusively by representatives from investigative authorities and distinguished academic professionals specializing in cybercrime law. The discussions focused on:
- advanced methods for detecting and investigating cybercrime;
- operational collaboration between national and international institutions;
- the development of educational frameworks to support training in cyber law and forensics.
CYSCOE’s participation in this event reinforces its role as a key cybersecurity stakeholder in Romania and Southeastern Europe. Its technical expertise and capacity to bridge the legal, operational, and academic sectors represent a strategic advantage in the collective fight against cybercrime in complex geopolitical environments.
