News
Comtrade Expands Cybersecurity Presence with a New Security Operations Center in Slovenia!
As cyber threats grow in both scale and complexity, businesses across Europe face increasing pressure to safeguard their digital infrastructure. To meet this challenge head-on, Comtrade has officially opened a new Security Operations Center (SOC) in Ljubljana, Slovenia. This is the company’s second SOC in the region, further strengthening its mission to provide reliable, future-proof protection to clients while addressing the shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals.
To learn more about the vision behind the center, its role in the region, and the technologies shaping the future of cybersecurity, we spoke with Mile Jelić, our Senior Business Development Manager at Comtrade System Integrations.
Comtrade’s new Security Operations Center in Slovenia is the company’s second SOC in the region, building on the proven success of its first.
Q: Let’s start with the big news — Comtrade is opening a new Security Operations Center. What makes this SOC different or unique in the region?
A: The Security Operations Center (SOC) in Slovenia is Comtrade’s second SOC in the region. We aim to replicate our successful formula, which includes modern, future-proof cybersecurity tools, skilled and educated employees, and optimized team processes. We believe that understanding our clients’ needs, along with our experience and sense of responsibility, will lead to reliable service and make cyberspace more secure.
Slovenia is one of the most digitalized EU member states, but with that comes both opportunity and risk.
Q: How do you assess the current state of cybersecurity in Slovenia, based on your experience in the region?
A: Slovenia is a highly digitalized EU member, actively strengthening its cybersecurity. Its National Cyber Security Strategy (2016) emphasizes prevention, response, and awareness. The Information Security Act (enforced June 19, 2025), transposing the NIS 2 Directive, expands coverage and mandates incident reporting. As such, it represents one of the most developed countries in the region in the context of cyber threats. However, there is always room for improvement.
Slovenia faces increasing threats, including ransomware, phishing (notably more SMS and messaging app attacks), state-sponsored espionage, and cybercrime. SI-CERT handled 4,587 incidents in 2024, a 7% rise, with phishing and crypto scams being especially common. A lack of skilled cybersecurity professionals remains a challenge. We at Comtrade Cyber Operations aim to address this shortage of cyber experts and protect businesses that are falling behind.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the digital security landscape, and Comtrade is determined to stay at the forefront of this transformation.
Q: What new technologies and approaches will your new SOC center use to enhance response and prevention?
A: Comtrade is known for being an early adopter of new technologies. We will also adopt this approach for the SOC in Ljubljana. I can only say that AI will play a significant role in the technologies we will use. By leveraging AI, we aim to enhance our capabilities and deliver superior cybersecurity services.
Mile points out: “We need to fight AI with AI. That is the fact, and we are heading in that direction.”
Regional collaboration and knowledge-sharing will be the key to building stronger defenses.
Q: How do you see the future of cybersecurity development in the region, and the role of Comtrade in that development?
A: The future of the region depends on the ability to share information about cyber threats. There are many improvements and implementations that can be made. Many small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs and SMEs) remain unprotected, so Comtrade will focus additional efforts on supporting this segment, which represents the most vulnerable group. Therefore, it is important for Comtrade Cyber Operations to be present in Slovenia and thus in the European Union.
Staying ahead in cybersecurity also means anticipating wider technological disruptions that will shape the way businesses and societies operate.
Q: Beyond just security, what broader technology or industry shifts do you think will define the next few years?
A: We are living in exciting times, particularly in the context of technology. In the next five years, we will have:
- Agentic AI: AI will increasingly act as autonomous “agents” managing complex tasks such as planning and decision-making. This transition from passive tools to proactive systems could transform industries like healthcare and finance, with AI handling everything from supply chains to personal assistance.
- Massive energy demand: The growth of AI and data centers needs a lot of power. This is leading to a renewed interest in nuclear energy for clean and reliable power. I see the massive breakthroughs in the energy sector in the years to come.
- Quantum Computing Breakthroughs: Quantum computing transitions from the lab to practical applications, solving problems in drug discovery, optimization, and cryptography that classical computers cannot address. Quantum computers will rise alongside neuromorphic tech for handling massive data loads.
- Blurred lines between reality and fake: Generative tools will create hyper-realistic media, including videos and simulations, which will blur the lines between reality and fabrication. This technology will be helpful for training, marketing, and creative projects, but it brings up important ethical issues.
Comtrade also sees its SOC as an open learning space — not just for clients, but for its own employees who want to understand the world of cybersecurity more closely.
Q: Where can Comtrade employees go if they want to learn more, ask questions, or even get involved in your cybersecurity initiatives?
A: The Security Operations Center operates 24/7, 365 days a year. Our employees are welcome any time to observe our work, learn more about cybersecurity, and ask questions.
On a Lighter Note.
Q: If you could have one superpower to help you in your role, what would it be?
A: The answer is simple: cloning. There is a great need to be in different places/meetings at the same time. It is like in the movie “Multiplicity” with Michael Keaton and Andie MacDowell.
Q: What’s one piece of tech (besides your laptop) you can’t live without?
A: It would be the record player. Call me the “old school” but I have a huge passion for listening to and collecting music, particularly vinyl records.
The opening of Comtrade’s new SOC in Slovenia marks more than just an expansion — it represents a commitment to strengthening cybersecurity resilience across the region. With AI-driven tools, and a vision aligned with future technological shifts such as quantum computing and energy innovation, Comtrade is positioning itself at the forefront of Europe’s cybersecurity landscape.
Cybersecurity is no longer just a technical issue; it’s a shared responsibility that requires collaboration, education, and continuous innovation. With its newest SOC, Comtrade is taking a decisive step in that direction.
Watch the video featuring Ales Leskosek, Executive Director for Slovenia, and Mile Jelic, Senior Business Development Manager, as they explain what our newest Security Operations Center means for your cybersecurity!