Italy and the United States have strengthened their joint response to global digital threats by extending a bilateral cooperation agreement for another year, pushing its validity through January 2027. The move reflects growing concern over cybercrime, digital espionage, and attacks targeting critical infrastructure, all of which have increased in frequency and complexity over the past few years.
The agreement builds on a memorandum of understanding signed in July 2025 between an Italian cyber security foundation and the Cyber Crimes Center of the US Department of Homeland Security. Since its launch, the partnership has focused on improving the ability of both countries to understand, prevent, and anticipate digital threats that operate across national borders. Cybercrime today accounts for an estimated 1.5% of global GDP, with damages exceeding $8 trillion annually, a figure expected to rise by more than 10% per year.
During a recent bilateral meeting in the United States, delegations from both countries reviewed the results achieved so far. According to shared assessments, information exchange between public institutions and private companies has increased by more than 30% since the agreement was first signed. Training initiatives have also expanded, with dozens of joint sessions involving analysts, investigators, and cybersecurity professionals from both sides of the Atlantic.
One of the central goals of the cooperation is the protection of critical infrastructure, including energy networks, transportation systems, financial platforms, and digital communications. In Europe alone, cyber attacks targeting essential services rose by nearly 40% in the past two years. The Italy US partnership aims to improve early warning systems, threat analysis models, and operational coordination to reduce exposure and response time during major incidents.
Another key area of collaboration involves emerging technologies. Artificial intelligence, cloud systems, and quantum computing are reshaping both economic growth and cyber risk. Experts estimate that by 2030 more than 60% of cyber attacks will involve some form of AI driven automation. The agreement promotes joint research, scenario analysis, and the development of shared standards to address these evolving risks.
The extension of the cooperation agreement signals a broader commitment to transatlantic digital security. As digital interdependence increases, Italy and the United States are positioning their partnership as a strategic tool to safeguard economic stability, democratic institutions, and public trust in an increasingly connected world.
