In an era where cyberattacks are evolving faster than ever, Europe needs more than just standard protection. New attack vectors and complex encryption often make threats invisible to human detection: this is why PERUN exists.
PERUN is a large-scale European project designed to build a holistic, AI-powered shield for our digital world. Rather than just reacting to attacks, it focuses on the "unseen" layers of technology, protecting everything from the software we use daily to the firmware and hardware that run our critical systems.
By leveraging machine learning, the project strengthens European cybersecurity by countering emerging threats in an efficient and cost-effective way. PERUN aims to enhance the security and resilience of digital infrastructures—from national networks and energy grids to NGOs and Security Operations Centers (SOCs)—by developing advanced solutions that leverage AI/ML technologies.
To this end, the project produces innovative methods and algorithms to detect new types of malware, as well as high TRL tools validated by representatives of critical sectors. These results are applied in five real-life scenarios: nonprofits, energy, telecommunications, private SOCs, and CERTs/CSIRTs, providing an instant boost to Europe's strategic autonomy.
The project officially started with the signing of the Grant Agreement on October 1, 2025, and has successfully already had its Kick-off Meeting (KoM) on October 26, 2025, in Warsaw, hosted by our partner NASK.