Held in Rio de Janeiro from December 3 to 5, the TICAL 2024 Conference reaffirmed its status as a key platform for strengthening and fostering collaboration among Latin America's National Research and Education Networks (NRENs). This gathering provided experts and leaders in technological services and cybersecurity with an opportunity to share knowledge, explore joint solutions, and advance a regional agenda in these critical areas.
Preceding the conference, on December 2, annual strategic meetings on Cybersecurity and Services for NRENs took place. These meetings gathered key stakeholders to exchange experiences and collaboratively address regional challenges. The sessions focused on best practices and emerging trends in implementing technological services that add value to educational, scientific, and innovation communities.
The program for these meetings, co-designed by RedCLARA, the Brazilian network RNP, and technical teams from participating networks, tackled pressing topics such as service innovation, tools, and strategies to combat emerging threats like ransomware. These discussions bolstered network capabilities and fostered regional cooperation in incident management.
The activities culminated in the creation of a strategic agenda for NRENs, outlining collaborative efforts and development priorities in cybersecurity and technological services. This agenda identified joint priorities, collaboration areas, and shared goals to address current challenges effectively.
RedCLARA, RNP, and GÉANT co-organized the Security Baseline Bootcamp, a two-day intensive workshop, on December 6 and 7, following the conference. This bootcamp offered participants an in-depth analysis of their cybersecurity capabilities and supported the design and implementation of policies, procedures, and strategies to strengthen their institutions.
Based on GÉANT's successful model, the bootcamp covered essential topics such as risk management, incident prevention, and establishing baseline security controls. Participants engaged in practical exercises and situational analyses to identify strengths and areas for improvement within their networks.
Carlos González, Services Manager at RedCLARA, remarked, “The bootcamp not only allowed us to assess the cybersecurity maturity of participating networks but also had a practical impact by providing tools to enhance standards and build a more resilient community against digital threats.”
The Security Baseline Bootcamp stood out for its replicable approach, enabling participants to return to their countries equipped with tools and knowledge to implement and adapt within their own institutions, amplifying the event’s impact.
TICAL 2024 fulfilled its mission to promote innovation, regional cooperation, and capacity building, leaving a significant legacy for Latin America’s NRENs and marking an important step toward a more secure and interconnected region.