Security Monitors: Why Ukraine Needs Cyber Troops?

Cyber  troops will appear in Ukraine. A special cybersecurity unit that will be allowed not only to defend against malicious systems, but also to attack. What this means for the country, how the cyberfront is organized in other states, and what factors should be taken into account when creating this Mind structure. Today in addition to the cybertroops, there is It Army of Ukraine, which consists of ordinary ukrainians.

The creation of a cyberarmy, the fight against disinformation and a new university

At the end of August, the president signed a decree on the formation of cyber troops in the system of the Ministry of Defense - he put into effect the decision of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC). He also instructed the Cabinet of Ministers to submit a bill within two months, which will provide for:

• required resources;
• the number of personnel;
• the ratio of military personnel, employees of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, as well as those enrolled in the reserve, reservists and other categories of persons.

Zelensky also approved Ukraine's cybersecurity strategy for five years and signed a decree on the formation of a Disinformation Counteraction Center. According to him, in the future, the organization should become an international hub in the fight against propaganda and fakes around the world, since our country is now at the forefront of this war. It is known that the new center will cooperate with various intelligence agencies, both national and foreign partner states.

“Now we cannot protect the country informationally only with the help of the National Security and Defense Council. This is too little,” the head of state said during a speech at the All-Ukrainian forum “Ukraine 30. Security of the country” in May. It was also announced the creation of a university to train specialists in cybersecurity. The institution promises high scholarships and salaries, modern laboratory and biochemical centers, as well as the selection of the most talented children and the best teachers.

After studying, graduates will have to work for the state, ensuring the security of the country, citizens and the entire digital space.

Why does Ukraine need cyber troops: who to protect and who to fight?

Digital security breaches, from massive cyberattacks, hacks and espionage to small-scale attacks, happen every day. They are exposed to government agencies, businesses and individuals. This is due to the fact that hacker systems are automated, operate regularly and, thanks to error analysis, continuously increase their effectiveness.

The digital state system built and functioning in Ukraine is unique in the world practice. Today, many users are involved in it, exchanging valuable data with each other: passports, land deeds, driver's licenses, property rights and other documents. Like critical government infrastructure, citizen data needs to be protected.

However, for the stability of the system, defensive measures are not enough. Skill and legal capacity to act proactively are required. In attack mode to destroy enemy forces preparing malicious operations. This requires cyber troops.

If our country shows good practice regarding the creation and operation of this structure, we will be able to strengthen our position in terms of digitalization and cybersecurity on the world stage. And, perhaps, even become the number one country in the field of technology development at the level of government.

The investment attractiveness of the IT sector will also increase, since everything related to digital will have a high level of protection here. We will be able to fight fake news and information propaganda more effectively. We will gain an advantage in hybrid warfare.