Cybersecurity certification: building skills for an AI-driven banking sector

The House of Training, in partnership with ABBL, Solvay Lifelong Learning, and Febelfin Academy, has launched the Qualified Cybersecurity Professional in Finance certification. This programme equips participants with essential skills in cybersecurity, focusing on practical applications, risk management, and regulatory compliance.

Ananda Kautz, Head of Innovation, Payments, and Sustainability at ABBL, discusses the key cybersecurity challenges and opportunities for Luxembourg’s banking sector in the context of digitalisation and artificial intelligence. She also highlights the impact of new EU regulations like the AI Act and DORA, stressing the need for proactive strategies and investment in cybersecurity talent.

• Qualified Cybersecurity Professional in Finance 30.01.2025

Q: What are the main cybersecurity challenges and opportunities for Luxembourg’s banking sector in the age of AI and digitalisation?

Ananda Kautz: “The Luxembourg banking sector is at a critical juncture. With the increasing use of digitalisation and artificial intelligence (AI), banks must not only stay competitive but also ensure that their solutions are secure and resilient. Regulations such as the AI Act and DORA (Digital Operational Resilience Act) are essential in guiding financial institutions towards stronger cybersecurity measures.

However, we have seen that financial crime is evolving rapidly. Criminals are leveraging the same technological innovations, and digital transformation makes the banking sector more vulnerable to cyber threats. The complexity of AI-driven attacks further complicates the landscape. Protecting sensitive customer data is a top priority, especially as AI adoption grows.

That said, AI also presents opportunities. Banks can use AI to improve threat detection and collaborate with FinTechs to strengthen security. By adopting a robust cybersecurity framework, banks can turn security from a compliance requirement into a competitive advantage. Ultimately, staying ahead in cybersecurity requires strong AI governance and ongoing investment in talent.”

Q: How is the cybersecurity regulatory landscape changing, and what should banks be prepared for?

Ananda Kautz: “The EU has developed a strong regulatory framework to address evolving cybersecurity threats. Many banks are still operating with outdated IT systems, making the integration of new technologies both challenging and expensive. Ensuring that old and new systems work together smoothly is essential to avoid operational issues.

The upcoming DORA regulation, which will take effect in January 2025, is designed to strengthen the operational resilience of financial institutions. This regulation ensures that banks, investment firms, and other financial entities can continue their operations even in the face of severe cyber incidents.

Some of the key provisions include:

• A standardised approach to ICT risk management across the EU
• Mandatory incident reporting
• Oversight of critical third-party service providers
• Regular penetration testing for certain financial institutions

While there are concerns about the costs, at ABBL, we see DORA as a positive step that will encourage smart investment in cybersecurity. The cost of an incident can be far higher than the cost of prevention.”

Q: How can professionals prepare for these cybersecurity challenges?

Ananda Kautz: “Professionals need to be equipped with the right skills to navigate this evolving landscape. The “Qualified Cybersecurity Professional in Finance” certification is an excellent opportunity to gain practical knowledge in areas such as risk management and regulatory compliance.

By enrolling in this programme, participants will be better prepared to face the challenges of cybersecurity and help strengthen the resilience of the banking sector.”

Learn more and register here