A panel discussion titled “Cybersecurity as a National Priority” was held as part of the two-day RISE Powered by Silicon Mountains 2026 technology exhibition and forum, bringing together representatives from government institutions, the private sector, and cybersecurity experts to discuss the latest challenges and opportunities in digital security.
Among the participants was Gevorg Mantashyan, First Deputy Minister of High-Tech Industry of Armenia, who presented the ministry’s ongoing initiatives aimed at strengthening the country’s cybersecurity ecosystem.
The discussion focused on current cyber threats, the development of legal frameworks, and measures to enhance the cyber resilience of critical infrastructure. Participants also explored the potential of emerging technological solutions in addressing modern security challenges.
Mantashyan emphasized the importance of ensuring the reliability of state digital infrastructure, the security of identification systems, and the protection of personal and institutional data. According to him, one of the key pillars of cybersecurity development is the cultivation of human capital, supported by clear regulatory frameworks.
Alongside ongoing legislative reforms, the Ministry of High-Tech Industry is implementing a range of educational and awareness programs, including initiatives for schoolchildren and university students, as well as hackathons designed to identify new talent and prepare qualified cybersecurity professionals.
The First Deputy Minister also highlighted the significance of the recently adopted Law on Cybersecurity, noting that the need for comprehensive regulation in the sector had been discussed for many years. While future improvements and amendments to the law are already being considered, he stressed that the current priority is the effective implementation and enforcement of the adopted regulations.
“Only after assessing the application, outreach, and effectiveness of the new framework will it be possible to move on to the next stage of reforms and introduce additional solutions,” Mantashyan said.
Addressing the use of cloud technologies, he underscored the importance of continuous cooperation with the private sector and the professional community. He noted that decisions regarding the selection and deployment of technological solutions should be guided by the principles of cost-efficiency, security, and long-term sustainability.
Mantashyan concluded by stressing that cybersecurity has become a shared responsibility and that close cooperation among government institutions, businesses, and the professional community is essential to effectively respond to modern cyber threats.
