Forum Unions Maltin (For.U.M.) expresses once again its deep concern over the criminal actions initiated against a university lecturer and a group of students in the case related to Freehour. When the case was first reported in the media, For.U.M. urged the authorities to safeguard the rights of those involved and to protect the integrity of the educational process. The confederation welcomes the Prime Minister’s statement that the government is considering a presidential pardon in this case.
For.U.M. also notes with concern that Malta is not listed among the top eight countries leading in cyber defense, leaving Maltese organizations, businesses, and society more vulnerable to cyber threats. In an era where cyber attacks have become a new form of warfare, it is crucial for Malta to invest in cybersecurity education and workforce development. Maltese organisations experienced a number of cases involving cyber attacks and threats. Similar incidents, such as cyber threats targeting the NHS in the UK, demonstrate the widespread risks that must be addressed.
For.U.M. urges authorities to take this opportunity to introduce specialized cybersecurity courses at the tertiary level to position Malta at the forefront of cyber defense. This would ensure that the country can effectively defend itself against cyber attacks by training students to understand hacking, prevent breaches, and identify weaknesses in Malta’s digital infrastructure—the backbone of future economic and social interaction.
Efforts to combat cyber threats must be applauded, and the state should not criminalize individuals who are merely trying to develop vital skills in cybersecurity—a field crucial for national and organizational security. Instead, Malta should focus on fostering a skilled workforce capable of protecting our digital infrastructure and mitigating future risks.
Marco Bonnici, President
Chris Attard, General Secretary
