In conversation with Antonino Intersimone, director of the Directorate for Telecommunications and Information Systems at the Government

A reality in constant updating

There is no shortage of challenges to face for a reality as vast as that of the Directorate of Telecommunications and Information Systems of the Governatorate of the Vatican City State. In particular, in a world in rapid updating, especially in the technological and scientific field, the acquisition of the latest innovations is an absolute necessity. On the other hand, the Directorate has competences ranging from Post and Philatelic, to Networks and telephones, but also to computer systems and all security against possible attacks of cyberpirates. The director, Antonino Intersimone, talks about this in this interview and says he is ready to face the challenges with competence, agility and a clear strategic vision.

Does your management have many skills, can you explain them to us?

Our management is a complex structure that includes various organizational units ranging from the implementation of data networks to the management of datacenters, from the operation of vertical digital platforms (public central VoIP, cloud platform, etc.) complex ERP applications, from the management of basic postal services to the conception of the highly sought-after Vatican stamps.

Of course, it is essential to have a thorough knowledge of emerging technologies, information systems, networks, IT infrastructures and software applications. Mastering these areas allows you to implement cutting-edge technology solutions and maintain operational efficiency. To maintain and develop these skills, in a sector, ICT (information and communication technologies), always evolving, It is essential to invest continuously in the training of resources through specific technical courses but also allow the immersion of individual technicians in the complex international information fabric.

In the postal sector, there is a specific competence in the ability to interact effectively with customers, answer their questions and solve any problems. The courteous and professional attitude is the distinguishing feature that over the years can certainly be defined as an element of merit of all our operators. In addition, the ability to manage and optimize the daily operations of backend is the result of a deep teamwork that sees in the harmony of the activities of the departments the fundamental implementation.

Finally, I can certainly say that in the conception and design of a new stamp come to light both the thorough knowledge of the chosen themes and all the graphic tools that give life to the new specimen.

Can you give us some figures on the movement of the postal service in a year?

In 2023 we had a total volume of registered, insured and express mail, which reached 700,000 units, while the sale of individual stamps at the counters is well 793,000 units. We also offer postcards, coin cards and branded products that have exceeded, overall, 177,000 units in 2023.

But above all we are proud of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) indicator which measures the percentage of shipments that arrive at the post office in the Vatican and are delivered within the next day.

At the level of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) the minimum target is set at 88%, while in the Vatican the value is permanently above 96%.

How much do you invest in improving the network and related infrastructures?

We have different investment paths.

On reliability and redundancy, with the implementation of multiple connections and redundant paths and also through the adoption of backup strategies and systems.

On scalability and flexibility, with the renewal of infrastructures for the adoption of new technologies that allow the optimization of resources with the simultaneous ease of capacity expansion.

On cybersecurity and monitoring, with advanced solutions to protect the network from external and internal attacks and with centralization on management platforms that allow you to monitor and control all network resources.

On staff training, with continuing training of specialist personnel.

Investing in these key pillars allows for improved robustness, efficiency and scalability of data networks, ensuring support for current and future state needs.

In case of a hacker attack, is the facility ready to respond?

It is difficult to answer this question and you are never 100% ready. Cyber security has an impact on both technological instrumentation and behaviour.

We have developed a number of advanced security measures and protocols to prevent and mitigate the effects of possible attacks. Among these we have implemented monitoring systems that allow us to detect suspicious activities. We keep all our software and operating systems up to date with the latest security patches, coordinating with international detection.

In addition to the implementation of technologies or the adoption of best practices, an information action has also been launched for some time now, aiming at spreading the safety culture at all levels. In this way, the individual technology user is made aware that his actions and choices, from the moment he starts a smartphone or personal computer, must be considered.

Ultimately, it is possible to say that cyber security is not a product but a process. In this spirit, we continue to improve and adapt our security strategies to address evolving threats.

What are the challenges you will face in the near future?

The challenges facing the Directorate in the future are many and complex, reflecting the rapid evolution of the technological landscape.

Certainly, in first place, there is the adaptation to emerging technologies. Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing the whole sector. The challenge is to integrate the enormous potential of AI into state processes and activities. This intervention trajectory is certainly to benefit the continuous evolution required by digital transformation for the modernization of systems and the improvement of efficiency and agility of work.

In this context, the effort to respect the ecological impact is certainly part of the search for sustainable solutions, with the adoption of green platforms and recycling of electronic equipment.

In summary, I believe we are ready to navigate through a constantly evolving technological landscape, facing the challenges with competence, agility and a clear strategic vision.

As Woody Allen says: "I am very interested in the future, it is there that I will spend the rest of my life."