Cyber Région Sud celebrates its first anniversary
It is an essential pillar in the fight against digital threats.

In an increasingly connected world, cybersecurity has become a major concern for businesses, organizations, and individuals. Since its creation, it has positioned itself as a key player in the protection and security of our region's information systems. ASSISTANCE SERVICE Inaugurated on April 17, 2024, by François de Canson, vice-president of the Région Sud, and with the support of the ANSSI, the CSIRT has been able to respond effectively to growing cyber threats and strengthen the digital resilience of local actors.

The first year was focused on regional cybersecurity service, as François de Canson recalls: “The CSIRT Urgence Cyber Région Sud is blowing out its first candle and marks a decisive step in the digital protection of the regional ecosystem”. Officially launched on October 8, 2023, with the support of the ANSSI (Agence Nationale de la Sécurité des Systèmes d'Information), this regional response center for victim incidents, providing strategic advice and specific recommendations to mitigate damage, restore system security, and minimize operational disruptions.
At the same time, the center offers essential support in the prosecution of incidents. By guiding victims through the steps necessary to file a complaint and gather evidence, it facilitates the process of prosecuting perpetrators of digital offenses, strengthening the fight against cybercrime. Finally, the regional CSIRT plays a crucial role in directing victims toward qualified incident response providers,” highlights the vice-president of the Région.
The CSIRT Urgence Cyber région Sud offers a free assistance service to businesses and local authorities in the region and supports structures in the face of intensifying cyber threats. “In the event of a crisis, the regional CSIRT provides valuable assistance in managing the situation. Its team works in collaboration with the personalized assistance to dozens of local actors as well as a complete follow-up to allow a rapid resumption of activity after each reported incident.
As a regional CSIRT, its mission is also to effectively protect businesses, local authorities, and associations from qualified providers for specialized interventions and digital services. It also offers support towards the competent authorities for legal prosecution of cases and follow-up of procedures,” adds François de Canson.
Located at the Maison du Numérique et de l'Innovation de Toulon, the center has offered a region against digital threats. It stands out for its commitment to proactive protection of victims of cybersecurity incidents. The first-level assistance service provides immediate and personalized support, guiding victims through the critical first steps of incident response, such as incident qualification, situation assessment, and the implementation of emergency measures.
“Thanks to the commitment of the Région Sud and its partners, the CSIRT has established itself as a pillar in the fight against cyberattacks, offering intermediate actors in the territory services such as technical qualification of incidents and first-level remediation solutions, connection with PREVENTION AND RESILIENCE This first year of activity was marked by a high number of incidents related to sophisticated fraud, such as ransomware attacks, “CEO fraud”, fake international transfer orders, and finally identity theft. These attacks, which are particularly widespread, represented a large part of the center's activity. They reveal the vulnerability of structures to tactics that mainly exploit human flaws and show the importance of awareness and prevention in the face of these risks.
Beyond its assistance mission, the CSIRT Urgence Cyber plays a central role in risk prevention and the observation of threats facing the territory. By raising awareness and strengthening the skills of businesses and local authorities, it actively contributes to increasing resilience in the face of cyber threats.
• PLEASE NOTE... For any assistance request, the center remains available at 0 800 036 083 (toll-free call), ensuring a rapid and tailored response to the needs of entities affected by a cybersecurity incident.
THE COMPUTER ATTACK WARNING AND REACTION CENTER Created as a 1901 law association, the CSIRT Urgence Cyber Région Sud is the computer attack warning and reaction center. Working to strengthen the digital security of local actors, this center is dedicated to supporting and protecting VSEs/SMEs, intermediate-sized enterprises, local authorities, and associations against cyberattacks, while strengthening the digital security of the regional ecosystem.
In addition to its free assistance service, the CSIRT offers its members enhanced services tailored to their needs, notably through customized support and exclusive offers. An asset for organizations seeking long-term protection against digital threats and to develop an effective cybersecurity strategy.
Photo Philippe OLIVIER.