Adriana Freitas

Research Projects Director

APWG European Union Foundation

Barcelona, Spain

7 profile visits

APWG EU unites stakeholders to combat cybercrime, phishing, and fraud, supporting research and policy for a safer digital Europe.

My organisation

APWG European Union Foundation

Other

Barcelona, Spain

APWG EU (Anti-Phishing Working Group Europe) is a non-profit industry association established in 2013 as the European chapter of the global APWG. Its mission is to unify the response to cybercrime by bringing together industry, government, law enforcement, and NGO stakeholders to combat phishing, identity theft, and a wide range of electronic crimes. APWG EU acts as a neutral clearinghouse for e-crime data, promotes research, and provides resources and solutions to eliminate fraud and cyber threats. With over 2,200 member institutions worldwide, APWG EU is deeply involved in advising national governments, international organisations, and policy bodies on cybercrime and digital security matters. Research and Interest in EU Security Clusters and EDF Our research team is actively engaged in advancing cybersecurity, privacy, and digital resilience in line with the priorities of the EU’s Horizon Europe Cluster 3 “Civil Security for Society” programme. We are particularly interested in the FCT (Fighting Crime and Terrorism), BM (Border Management), DRS (Disaster Resilient Societies), and CS (Cybersecurity) calls, which address critical challenges such as cybercrime, advanced operational cybersecurity, privacy-enhancing technologies, and secure border and disaster management solutions. The upcoming 2025 calls include significant funding for generative AI in cybersecurity, post-quantum cryptography, and privacy-enhancing technologies, reflecting the EU’s commitment to safeguarding critical infrastructure and personal data. Furthermore, we are closely following the European Defence Fund (EDF), which supports collaborative research and innovation in defence, including next-generation threat detection, cyber-physical testing, and dual-use digital technologies to enhance both military and civilian security across Europe. Our goal is to contribute expertise and innovation to these initiatives, fostering a safer and more resilient digital society.

About me

Adriana, a seasoned telecom expert with 20+ years of industry experience, has transitioned into cybersecurity with a passion for safeguarding digital landscapes. As the Director Responsible for Research Projects at APWG.eu, she leads international collaborations, shaping global digital security efforts. Adriana's journey began with satellite giants Omnitracs and Globalstar, followed by a decade-long tenure at Telefonica, managing international projects in major cities. Her dedication extends to community involvement, actively participating in tech events and supporting startups as a mentor and investor. Adriana's expertise and leadership are bolstered by her academic background, including an M.S. in Data Science and Big Data, specialised training from ESADE and IE, an MBA from IEDE/Universidad Europea Madrid, M.S. in Marketing from UFGV Sao Paulo, and a Master of Engineering degree from UNB, Brasilia.

Social media

Marketplace (2)

Project cooperation
2025 Horizon Calls
Collaborate with European partners on Horizon Europe civil security projects,
- Innovation Action
- HORIZON-CL3-2025-SSRI -
- Planning - Conceptio stage
- Research and Innovation Action
- HORIZON-CL3-2025-CS - CYBERSECURITY
- HORIZON-CL3-2025-BM - BORDER MANAGEMENT
- HORIZON-CL3-2025-INFRA - RESILIENT INFRASTRUCTURE
- HORIZON-CL3-2025-DRS - DISASTER RESILIENT SOCIETY
- HORIZON-CL3-2025-FCT - FIGHTING CRIME AND TERRORISM
- HORIZON-CL3-2025-02-CS-ECCC-03: Privacy Enhancing Technologies
- OTHER: National funding for dual-use projects (CDTI INNOVACIÓN)
- HORIZON-CL3-2025-01-SSRI-02: Uptake Acceleration Services
- HORIZON-CL3-2025-02-CS-ECCC-01: Generative AI for Cybersecurity applications
- HORIZON-CL3-2025-01-SSRI-05: Data repository for security research and innovation
- HORIZON-CL3-2025-01-BM-03: Open topic on better customs and supply chain security
- HORIZON-CL3-2025-01-BM-02: Open topic on secured and facilitated crossing of external borders
- HORIZON-CL3-2025-01-BM-01: Open topic on efficient border surveillance and maritime security
- HORIZON-CL3-2025-01-SSRI-04: Accelerating uptake through open proposals for advanced SME innovation
- HORIZON-CL3-2025-01-SSRI-03: Open grounds for pre-commercial procurement of innovative security technologies
- HORIZON-CL3-2025-01-FCT-01: Open topic on modern information and forensic evidence analysis and on frontline policing
- HORIZON-CL3-2025-01-SSRI-06: Demand-led innovation for civil security through Pre-Commercial Procurement (PCP)
- HORIZON-CL3-2025-01-INFRA-02: Open topic for role of the human factor for the resilience of critical infrastructures
- HORIZON-CL3-2025-01-FCT-04: Humanitarian demining / Unexploded Ordnance Disposal (UXO) of civil areas and unexploded ordnance risk education
- HORIZON-CL3-2025-01-INFRA-01: Open topic for improved preparedness for, response to and recovery from large-scale disruptions of critical infrastructures
- HORIZON-CL3-2025-01-FCT-03: Open topic on improved intelligence picture and enhanced prevention, detection and deterrence of various forms of organised crime
- HORIZON-CL3-2025-01-DRS-01: Open topic on citizen and regional and/or local authorities' engagement in enhanced disaster risk awareness, including education, and preparedness
- HORIZON-CL3-2025-01-FCT-02: Open topic on prevention, detection and deterrence of various forms of crime and terrorism through an enhanced understanding of the related societal issues
- HORIZON-CL3-2025-01-DRS-02: Open topic on Improving disaster risk management and governance to ensure self-sufficiency and sustainability of operations in support of enhanced resilience
Author
Adriana Freitas
Research Projects Director at APWG European Union Foundation
Barcelona, Spain
Product
eCrime eXchange
The most trusted repository was developed to exchange threat data about common cybercrime events.
- Simulation
- Cybersecurity
- Commercial partners
- Technological partners
- Resilient infrastructure
- Consulting and Engineering
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Security against emergencies
- Big Data, Data Analytics, and Data Mining
Author
Adriana Freitas
Research Projects Director at APWG European Union Foundation
Barcelona, Spain