INTACT: Integrated Software Toolbox to Tackle Cybersecurity Challenges in the IoT-to-Cloud Continuum
The rapid expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT) and the growing reliance on cloud computing have led to a new era of distributed, interconnected systems, often referred to as the “compute continuum.” As businesses and industries increasingly depend on these infrastructures, the need for robust cybersecurity solutions becomes more pressing. The compute continuum presents unique challenges in terms of security, data privacy, and risk mitigation, particularly when considering the diverse range of devices and technologies involved. Digital for Planet is proud to be part of two EU Horizon projects that address these challenges, via different methodologies: INTACT and CASTOR.
Digital Twins at the Service of Cybersecurity
Project INTACT is an ambitious initiative aimed at addressing the cybersecurity challenges inherent in the compute continuum. The project’s overarching goal is to develop an Integrated Software Toolbox that will offer advanced cybersecurity services across distributed networks, to continuously ensure the security of infrastructure while safeguarding data privacy, without imposing significant costs or negatively impacting system performance, energy consumption, or operational capacity.
One of the key innovations of the project INTACT is the use of digital twins, virtual replicas of the physical systems. These models allow cybersecurity professionals to stress-test the network’s vulnerabilities and predict potential risks without affecting the live systems. The twin models enable risk mitigation strategies to be pre-emptively implemented in a safe, isolated environment, ensuring that the real-world system remains operational while optimal security measures are applied.
Overall, INTACT aims at building a resilient and secure framework for the IoT-to-Cloud continuum, ensuring that businesses can operate without compromising on security or performance.
INTACT Impact and Business Outcomes
To ensure that the Software Toolbox developed is effective in real-world environments, INTACT will implement and validate its technology through four pilot use cases (PUCs). These use cases will cover a wide range of industries, including:
- Telecom: The consortium partners will use a cutting-edge 5G Digital Twin that will enable the recreation of diverse IT, Telco, IoT/Edge/Cloud infrastructures to execute cybersecurity scenarios in a safe, controlled environment. With the ability to simulate and test a wide range of technologies, this environment provides a unique opportunity to assess and optimize security measures for next-generation 5G networks, ensuring resilience against emerging threats.
- Health 4.0: Using a Replicated Virtual Environment of a general hospital, this use case looks to enhance healthcare data security to support better patient care.
- Transportation: INTACT looks to implement DevSecOps Twinning and security control processes for the fuel cell and IoT systems in the truck, ensuring a more secure, resilient transportation ecosystem.
- Critical Infrastructure: this use case focuses on the safe integration of sensitive environments like nuclear reactors into the broader IoT ecosystem.
These pilot projects will help to refine the developed tools, ensuring that they meet the needs of different sectors and can be adapted to various scenarios.
D4P, a key player
“True to its mission of creating a digitally empowered society that fosters equal opportunities for all while safeguarding the environment, D4P is proud to be part of the INTACT consortium and contribute to the success of making the green and digital twin transition a reality.”, said Dr. Cristina Pereira, D4P Director.
D4P responsibilities encompass several key areas:
- Ethics and Legal Oversight: D4P will oversee the ethical and legal aspects of the project, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR), data management standards (e.g., FAIR), and ethical principles related to the technologies developed as part of the project. D4P will also chair the Ethics and Data Security Board, which will track the progress of ethical and data management requirements throughout the project.
- Social Impact Assessment: D4P will assess the social implications of INTACT outcomes, focusing on user experience, trust, and the overall societal impact of the technology; making sure that digital transformation and sustainability go hand in hand. This will involve conducting qualitative and quantitative research to gauge stakeholder perceptions and ensure that the project aligns with human-centric values.
- Communication and Outreach: Through social media and newsletters, D4P will raise awareness about the project’s progress, outcomes, and impact.
As Project INTACT progresses toward its ambitious goals, join us as we pave the way for a secure, integrated, and sustainable digital future. Follow the INTACT official LinkedIn and X pages and subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates on our latest activities, insights from the team, and progress on the pilot use cases.
Also, you can be a part of the broader conversation and contribute to the future of secure, sustainable IoT-to-Cloud systems, by finding out more about and following CASTOR, a similar project where D4P is also a key partner.