Italy confronts advanced crypto phishing scheme and cybersecurity talent shortage

Italian authorities have uncovered a sophisticated social‑engineering campaign that blends phishing and vishing to target holders of cryptocurrencies. The scam mimics the Agenzia delle Entrate’s online portal, prompting victims to enter tax codes, phone numbers and detailed crypto‑wallet information before directing them to a fraudulent call centre that demands payments or personal data. The operation, first detected on 19 June, aims to map victims’ financial assets and exploit the heightened public focus on digital‑currency taxation.

At the same time, Italy’s cybersecurity market continues to expand, reaching €2.78 billion in 2025—a 12 % annual increase. Despite this growth, nine out of ten large Italian firms report an inability to fill open security positions, with a 52 % difficulty rate in recruiting qualified professionals. In 2025, 34 % of major companies suffered cyber‑attacks, underscoring the heightened demand for skilled personnel. Initiatives such as Visione Academy are promoting career conversion pathways to address the talent gap.