“Russian military build-up near Ukrainian borders caused a large number of cyber attacks against Ukraine,” the head of the SBU Department of Cyber Security Illya Vityuk emphasized.

“The SBU documented a significant proliferation of cyber attacks before and during the build-up of the Russian troops near the Ukraine’s border. As a result, SBU officers prevented all cyber incidents,” he said at the All-Ukrainian Forum “Ukraine 30”.

According to him, the SBU systematically stands up to cyber threats to national security. The improvement of professional skills of SBU personnel helped the Service to significantly strengthen its potential. “The Service has gained the necessary experience while countering unprecedented volume of Russian cyber attacks,” said Illya Vityuk.

Ukraine needs all agencies to be united to counter cyber threats in all areas. The SBU actively develops a legal framework so that all authorities, critical infrastructure and private sector facilities will coordinate as a team. “Any delay can sooner or later lead to dire consequences, considering that the increase of incidents related to cyber terrorism and cyber espionage, being the instruments of hybrid warfare, has already become critical around the world. Furthermore, the number of cyber attacks still continues to run up,” the head of the SBU Department of Cyber Security stressed.

Finally, Illya Vityuk summarized that during 2021, the Service neutralized more than 600 cyber attacks, uncovered attempts of large-scale cyber espionage operations against domestic executive bodies and security sector agencies.