Introduction to the Special Issue

We are pleased to present this special issue of the Journal of Telecommunications and Information Technology, which features selected scientific papers from the 63rd FITCE Congress (Federation of Telecommunications Engineers of the European Community), held in Kraków, Poland, in September 2024. The central theme of the Congress was "New Technologies and Services – Opportunities and Threats", explored through four thematic sessions focused on cybersecurity, technologies, and their applications. Additional special sessions were organized for young Ph.D. students and representatives of the telecommunications industry. The articles presented in this issue address key challenges related to ensuring communication security and privacy, the application of machine learning and artificial intelligence methods, and the integration of best industry practices—topics of critical importance in today’s digital landscape. This special issue showcases research efforts aimed at solving technical problems through original systemic approaches that enhance the state-of-the-art in communication technologies. The included articles address the following topics: The role of cybersecurity certification within the upcoming EUCC framework, with practical approaches to laboratory accreditation and penetration testing methodologies. Advanced machine learning-based detection of malware-generated domains (DGA), using both classical and neural models. Application of differential privacy in biomedical signal analysis, ensuring the secure and ethical use of patient data. Optimization of military ad hoc networks to reduce detectability via unmanned vehicles. Cyber and operational challenges associated with the shutdown of traditional PSTN systems and the transition to all-IP networks. A techno-economic analysis of cybersecurity of IoT and OT, including implications for policy and market regulation. Evaluation of resource allocation mechanisms in 6G V2X networks, with a focus on privacy and system performance trade-offs. Each paper included in this issue has undergone a peer review process and was selected based on its originality, relevance, and potential impact on the telecommunications field. As Guest Editors, it has been a privilege to oversee the development of this special issue. We were impressed by the breadth and quality of the submissions, which reflect not only the dynamic and evolving nature of the field but also the collaborative spirit of the FITCE community. We extend our sincere thanks to all the authors for their outstanding contributions and to the anonymous reviewers for their careful and constructive evaluations. We also wish to express our gratitude to the JTIT Editorial Board for their support and to the FITCE 2024 Organizing Committee for hosting an exceptional and inspiring Congress in Kraków. We hope this special issue will serve as a valuable reference for readers and inspire further research and innovation at the intersection of telecommunications, cybersecurity, and emerging digital technologies. George Agapiou, Andy Valdar, and Piotr ZwierzykowskiGuest Editors