There are many attempts to interfere with Ukrainian information and communication systems, but most of them, fortunately, are unsuccessful - Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise
Kyiv • UNN
According to experts, there are a lot of hacker attacks and attempts to cause negative consequences today, but if they are unsuccessful, the incidents are mostly undisclosed for security purposes.
Since the full-scale Russian invasion, there have been numerous hacker attacks on various Ukrainian information and communication systems. Most of them, fortunately, were unsuccessful. However, sometimes hackers manage to achieve results. In particular, last week a powerful hacker attack was carried out on the Ukrainian mobile network Kyivstar. The Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise spoke about cybersecurity in Ukraine and the work of experts in the field of information and communication technologies in an exclusive commentary to UNN.
Details
"Today, we have the following situation: there are a lot of hacker attacks and attempts to cause negative consequences, but if they are unsuccessful, the incidents remain largely undisclosed for security purposes. At the same time, if there is evidence of significant and tangible consequences for society, impact on civilian infrastructure or any area of people's lives, there are a number of institutions that are involved in the process of minimizing the consequences. For example, when we talk about mobile communications, which are used by millions of people. This is a rather serious case. Risks are especially high in times of war. Even during the occupation of the Kyiv region in the spring of 2022, representatives of Ukrainian telecommunications operators tried to ensure the operation of systems and keep all possible communication channels, mobile and network Internet, cellular communications, etc. available to citizens by all means. Therefore, stability in this area is of great importance to us," the experts said.
It is noted that there are competent authorities in Ukraine that ensure the implementation of state policy in the field of combating cybercrime. All these structures closely cooperate, coordinate their activities and communicate with foreign colleagues.
"Forensic experts are involved when it is necessary to record certain circumstances, document certain facts and circumstances within the framework of expert research for further court proceedings, investigate, establish or confirm cause and effect relationships. For example, we analyze whether and how the system was hacked. If there is evidence of interference in information systems and their destabilization, what caused it," says the experts of Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise about the specifics of the examinations.
Experts add that any defense has its vulnerabilities. We have seen attacks on seemingly secure systems, such as the United States. The degree of protection of any system is measured by its weakest element. We need to take care of stability and balance.
"As for our current situation, in a state of war, we are constantly under various threats and, whether we like it or not, we have to respond to them, prevent them and minimize the negative consequences. Many new challenges are emerging that did not exist before, but they are especially important. The enemy would not use weapons if they could destroy our infrastructure and lives in this way. This shows that we are coping with cyber challenges," the KFI experts summarized.
Recall.
SBU investigates possible Russian involvement in cyberattack on Kyivstar.
