Telecommunications networks form the backbone of modern society—supporting financial systems, government operations, healthcare delivery, and digital commerce. These networks must operate continuously while resisting increasingly sophisticated cyber threats targeting infrastructure, customer data, and national connectivity. Austria’s telecommunications cybersecurity leaders are responsible not only for defending enterprise systems, but also for protecting critical infrastructure that millions depend on daily. The professionals below are shaping how Austria’s telecommunications sector maintains resilience, trust, and operational continuity in an environment where security and availability are inseparable.
Georg Petzl — Chief Information Security Officer, Magenta Telekom
Georg Petzl has served as Chief Information Security Officer at Magenta Telekom since 2009, overseeing cybersecurity for one of Austria’s largest telecommunications providers. His long tenure reflects sustained leadership across evolving threat landscapes, regulatory requirements, and network technologies. His work focuses on cybersecurity architecture, intrusion detection, vulnerability management, and defense against cyber attacks targeting telecom infrastructure. Securing telecommunications networks requires constant vigilance, as these systems underpin both consumer connectivity and enterprise operations. Petzl’s role ensures Magenta Telekom maintains strong security foundations while continuing to support Austria’s digital ecosystem.
Harald Schindlauer — Chief Information Security Officer, Rundfunk und Telekom Regulierungs-GmbH
Harald Schindlauer serves as Chief Information Security Officer at Rundfunk und Telekom Regulierungs-GmbH, Austria’s telecommunications regulatory authority. In this role, he helps secure systems that support regulatory oversight, market integrity, and telecommunications governance. Prior to joining RTR, he served as Chief Information Security Officer and Infrastructure Architect at Interzero Austria, strengthening enterprise security architecture and operational resilience. His background spans telecommunications operations, infrastructure security, and technical leadership. His work reflects the importance of cybersecurity not only within telecom providers, but also within the institutions responsible for regulating and safeguarding national communications ecosystems.
Alexander Proell — Chief Information Officer and Chief Information Security Officer, MAVOCO AG
Alexander Proell serves as Chief Information Officer and Chief Information Security Officer at MAVOCO AG, a telecommunications technology company specializing in IoT connectivity platforms. His role combines executive technology leadership with responsibility for cybersecurity strategy, platform protection, and secure service delivery. Previously, he led security business development at A1 Digital, where he helped develop cybersecurity solutions and security operations capabilities for enterprise customers. His experience spans security product strategy, telecommunications infrastructure, and digital transformation—reflecting the convergence of network services, software platforms, and cybersecurity in modern telecommunications environments.
Christian Ueblbacher — Director Cyber Security, A1 Telekom Austria AG
Christian Ueblbacher serves as Director Cyber Security at A1 Telekom Austria AG, where he leads cybersecurity strategy, operations, and defense capabilities within one of Austria’s most critical telecommunications providers. His work includes oversight of cyber defense programs, threat intelligence integration, and security operations aligned with national infrastructure protection requirements. His career includes leadership roles developing cybersecurity solutions, security operations centers, and enterprise security programs. In addition to his operational responsibilities, he serves as a board member of Cyber Security Austria, contributing to broader national cybersecurity coordination and infrastructure protection initiatives.
Protecting Austria’s National Connectivity and Critical Communications Infrastructure
Cybersecurity in telecommunications is uniquely critical because telecom networks enable nearly every other industry—including government, healthcare, financial services, and industrial systems. The leaders featured here help ensure Austria’s communications infrastructure remains secure, resilient, and capable of supporting national digital operations.
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