#IDSF25: International digital security community sends strong signal for digital resilience in Vienna

With 500 participants, over 100 speakers, and representatives from 30 countries, the International Digital Security Forum (IDSF) 2025 once again brought decision-makers and experts from around the world to Vienna. For three days, the federal capital was dominated by digital security, trustworthy technologies, and international cooperation.

This year's forum was organized by the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology in close cooperation with the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the ARGE Security and Economy (ASW) of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, the Competence Center for Secure Austria (KSÖ), and the Agency for Economic Cooperation and Development (AED), as well as in cooperation with international partner organizations and with the support of the Federal Chancellery (BKA), the State Secretariat for Digitalization, and the Federal Ministries for European and International Affairs (BMEIA), for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure (BMIMI), Finance (BMF), the Interior (BMI), and Defense (BMLV), and offered a unique platform for exchange and networking between politics, research, industry, and civil society.

A key topic at this year's event was how Europe can strengthen digital resilience without stifling innovation. Discussions ranged from new cybersecurity challenges and digital sovereignty to the role of trustworthy AI systems in security-critical infrastructures.

Once again, the high-caliber program was complemented by an exciting parallel track on social sciences, organized by IDSF program partner Vienna Center for Societal Security (VICESSE) under the title “Sovereignty and Solidarity in the Digital Age – a critical View,” which discussed the social challenges of digital transformation and practical technological and security policy issues.

In order to provide participants with more practical insights into the challenges of digitalization and innovative technological solutions, interactive workshops were also offered for the first time, organized by the CMI — Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation on the topic of “AI for Peace: The Promise and Peril of AI-Powered Engagement in Conflict Zones,” the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP) on the topic of “Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security of High-Risk Critical Infrastructure,” and the Vienna Business Agency together with SBA Research on the topic of “Digital Sovereignty in a Connected World: Navigating Between Openness and Control.”

In addition, the forum organized an accompanying exhibition in which innovative companies, leading IT organizations, and research institutions presented their latest solutions and developments.

The high level of interest from the diplomatic sector was particularly encouraging: representatives from embassies in 16 European countries, Australia, and North America actively participated in panels, discussions, and bilateral talks—a strong signal of the forum's global relevance.

“The diversity of perspectives—from political decision-makers to technical experts—makes the IDSF a true laboratory for the future of digital security,” said one of the participants.

The IDSF25 has once again succeeded in building bridges between national and international players, forging new alliances, and creating a common understanding of the challenges and opportunities of digital transformation.

Further information:

• Impressionen der #IDSF25
• Press Releases
• Innovation-Briefing der #IDSF25
• Partner-Übersicht der #IDSF25
• Aussteller-Liste der #IDSF25