Malta’s next leap: Secured

Malta’s digital ambitions are fast transforming the country’s business profile. With industries like iGaming, finance and healthcare shifting rapidly towards smarter, tech-led solutions, its digital infrastructure is expanding in scope – and in risk. As this transformation unfolds, so too does the demand for trusted, proactive cybersecurity support.

Global cybersecurity leader ESET is positioned right at the heart of this evolution, as the company is set to expand its presence in Malta. Its aim is to deliver enterprise-grade protection to meet the specific demands of the island’s digital infrastructure.

Long-established as a global leader in cybersecurity, ESET has built its mission on protecting individuals, businesses and critical infrastructure from an ever-evolving spectrum of digital threats. With a focus on innovation, the company incorporates AI-powered threat detection, proactive defence, and a commitment to education and awareness into every layer of its offering.

We caught up with three of ESET’s senior leadership team in Malta and Cyprus – George Christou (Channel Development Manager), Costas Georgiades (Sales Manager), and Christos Tsoulfas (Presales and Technical Support Engineer). Here are some of the insights they shared.

“At ESET, we don’t just react to cyber threats – we anticipate them,” they start off. “Our mission is to empower users to navigate the digital world safely, while upholding their privacy and operational integrity.”

This vision is coming to life through ESET’s hands-on engagement in Malta. From compliance support to workforce training, the company is actively working to close security gaps across all levels of the local business ecosystem. Using a combination of education, expert consultation, and smart, scalable tools, ESET is helping the digital sector build resilience from the ground up.

Central to ESET’s approach is a multi-layered architecture that blends machine learning, artificial intelligence, global threat intelligence and human expertise. This is reflected in the company’s flagship platform, ESET PROTECT, a cloud-based solution that integrates advanced endpoint protection and Extended Detection and Response (XDR) capabilities. For businesses with limited internal cybersecurity resources, ESET’s Managed Detection and Response (MDR) service provides 24/7 monitoring, threat hunting, and rapid response from a dedicated Security Operations Centre based in Europe.

ESET’s technology stands out thanks to its LiveGrid® feature, a global threat intelligence system powered by the input of over 110 million users worldwide. The system collects real-time data from user submissions and channels it to ESET’s 13 Research and Development centres across the globe. There, cybersecurity experts analyse it to deliver rapid and efficient threat responses.

“Speed is everything in threat detection,” they continue. “LiveGrid® gives us the power to anticipate threats as they emerge, not after the damage is done, ensuring proactive protection for our global user base. By providing suspicious samples and metadata from the wild, ESET LiveGrid® allows fast reaction to new threats and improves the efficiency of our anti-malware solutions.”

This approach has earned ESET global recognition as a multi-award-winning cybersecurity vendor, consistently receiving accolades for its cutting-edge security solutions and industry-leading threat detection.

The fast responsiveness ESET services provide is especially critical in an environment like Malta, where digital industries are growing rapidly and facing increasingly complex compliance demands. From the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) to the revised Network and Information Systems Directive (NIS2) and the ISO 27001:2022 certification, regulatory frameworks are evolving quickly. ESET’s solutions help businesses meet these requirements, transforming cybersecurity from a challenge into a compliance tool.

“Our solutions are designed to align with evolving regulatory expectations, giving our clients the confidence they need to operate securely,” they add.

Locally, ESET works through a network of authorised Maltese resellers who act as both solution providers and awareness builders. These partners are active members of the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre (MITA-NCC) and play a critical role in spreading awareness through training initiatives and campaigns.

“We view our role in Malta as collaborative. Through our local partners, we make sure that both businesses and individuals have access not just to tools, but also to knowledge.”

Among the key threats facing Malta’s businesses today are phishing attacks, ransomware, and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks.

“ESET’s technology is specifically designed to counter these risks, using a holistic approach. Anti-phishing modules block fraudulent communications before they reach inboxes. Ransomware protection tools intercept malicious encryption attempts. And network protection features help mitigate large-scale service disruptions. Thus, protection is afforded from every angle, even before the threat strikes.”

And with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) comprising 95 per cent of Malta’s business community, the importance of accessible and lightweight solutions cannot be overstated.

“Our software ensures minimal system impact while delivering high-level protection. This balance is especially critical for smaller teams.”

But ESET’s engagement doesn’t stop at technical solutions. The company is also championing cybersecurity awareness at a national level. Its free Cybersecurity Awareness Training platform provides individuals with foundational knowledge to help them stay safe online. For businesses, ESET offers a paid version that includes advanced features such as simulated attacks, employee performance tracking and certification issuance.

“Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue. It’s a cultural shift. And that shift starts with education. Our training programmes are designed to turn every employee into a first line of defense.”

As Malta continues its push towards digitisation, ESET is intent on becoming a long-term partner in the country’s cybersecurity journey, hoping to future-proof the island’s digital ecosystem by supporting infrastructure, education and regulation.

“We’re not just here to sell software,” they conclude. “We’re here to support local growth by fostering collaborations with local businesses and with the authorities, helping ensure that Malta remains a secure place to do business in an increasingly connected world.”