From November 13 to 15, 2024, the fifth edition of the International Scientific Conference “Digital Transformation, Cyber Security, and Resilience” (DIGILIENCE 2024) took place at the Cybersecurity Laboratory in Sofia Tech Park. Hosted under the auspices of Bulgaria’s Minister of Defense, Mr. Atanas Zapryanov, the event brought together researchers, policymakers, and practitioners from across Europe and beyond to address pressing challenges in cybersecurity and digital transformation.
Highlights and Participation
The conference featured 42 accepted papers, with seven keynote plenary sessions, selected by the Technical Program Committee. Twenty of these papers have been published in the latest issue of Information & Security: An International Journal (vol. 55), available online at doi.org/10.11610/isij.v55. Additional papers will be published in the prestigious Springer series following secondary reviews.
Participants included representatives from six Bulgarian higher education institutions, seven national research institutes, and international organizations such as the European Defense Agency (EDA) and the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA). Researchers from 14 countries, including Austria, Belgium, Germany, Greece, and the USA, contributed to the conference’s vibrant discussions.
Notable international contributors included experts from institutions like the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI), the Center for Internet Security (USA), and the Laurea University of Applied Sciences (Finland).
Best Paper Award
The conference awarded Dr. Boyan Mitrakiev from the University of National and World Economy (UNWE) for his paper, “The Need for Emotional Cues Analysis in OSINT in Countering Reflexive Control Information Warfare Campaigns.” His work highlights the integration of affective intelligence into open-source intelligence countermeasures against disinformation and psychological operations.
Organization and Support
DIGILIENCE 2024 was jointly organized by the Institute of Information and Communication Technologies at BAS, the European Software Institute, and the Bulgarian Defense Institute “Prof. Tsvetan Lazarov”. The event was financially supported by the European Defense Agency (EDA) and Bulgaria’s National Scientific Research Fund. Their contributions were prominently recognized in conference materials, banners, and online platforms.
The conference was held with the financial support of the European Defense Agency (EDA) and Bulgaria’s National Scientific Research Fund. EDA’s backing was pivotal in enabling seamless organization, fostering international participation, and enhancing the visibility of DIGILIENCE 2024. The funding supported key aspects of the event, including logistics, publication dissemination, and promotional materials, ensuring its wide reach among academic and professional audiences.
The event received significant media coverage, with articles published in prominent outlets such as the Bulgarian Telegraph Agency, Sofia Tech Park news, and the Ministry of Defense Information Center. Research blogs, including CyLab’s, and university platforms also featured highlights from the conference. A complete list of media coverage and additional highlights can be found on the official website at digilience.org.
Conclusion
DIGILIENCE 2024 reaffirmed its position as a key platform for addressing cybersecurity challenges and fostering innovation in digital transformation. With its international reach and interdisciplinary collaboration, the conference continues to contribute to building resilient cyber ecosystems and advancing scientific knowledge.
For a detailed program and access to conference materials, visit the official website at digilience.org.
