We remind you that, on December 23, the E-Governance Agency (EGA), the Information Technology and Cybersecurity Service (STISC), the Future Technologies Activity, funded by the United States Agency for International Development and the Government of Sweden, and the Technical University of Moldova have acknowledged the need to improve the educational process, infrastructure and cyber security within Moldova, thus undertaking to establish the Cyber Security Academy. The project will excel in the near future just like the TEKWILL Project did, only in the field of cybersecurity!
The new Academy will include about 1,000 square meters of tech spaces, classrooms, a server room with scenario modeling in the field of cybersecurity, specialized rooms, as well as an event hall designed to accommodate over 400 people.
The main reason for the founding of this institution is the shortage of personnel in the cybersecurity sphere, both at the national and international level. Currently, in the Republic of Moldova, the field of cybersecurity is very unclear for young people who go through the classical education system (gymnasium, high school, university), as it is not promoted, nor included in the curricula, as it should be.
Recently, the President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu, convened a meeting of the Supreme Security Council (SSC) to discuss the country’s cybersecurity circumstances. Following a thorough analysis of the national cybersecurity system, as well as the risks and encountered challenges, the SSC members concluded that there is a necessity to improve the legal framework associated with this field and to improve the communication and cooperation between state institutions on this matter. As an attendee at the SSC meeting, I mentioned the importance of education and improvement of the information culture among citizens, mentioning the role of the new Cyber Security Academy in this regard.
World powers have yet to recognize that they have more to lose through scorched-earth cyber attacks. Until they do, the cyberwar will continue… Given the seemingly inexorable escalation of the destructive potential of cyberwarfare, how do people steer clear of a chaotic future of endless and widespread digital conflict? The most obvious answer is, of course, better cybersecurity: owners of critical infrastructure in the government and private sectors could certainly invest more in strengthening networks and separating vital systems from the Internet whenever possible. But in cyber warfare, as in cybersecurity overall, offense has the upper hand: don’t expect any security technology to prevent all future cyber attacks!
In this context, I am absolutely convinced that, through this initiative, we will build a much needed connection between the field of cybersecurity and people who want to pursue a career in this industry. Moreover, one of the objectives of the Academy will be the involvement of specialists and enthusiasts in the development and support of the national community via organizing competitions, events and conferences.
Beyond computer crimes, minimizing the risk of a cyber incident can be done by not accessing a link containing fake news or not opening an email with an attachment which presents a danger to the user of the online environment. It is necessary to specify the fact that the dissemination of information of a preventive nature that could discourage the occurrence of illegal phenomena would improve the information culture within the population – which currently is an imperative objective of the time! The extension of the practice should also concern the employees of public institutions, who should go through mandatory training in the field of cybersecurity. The members of private entities should also receive training for their digital skills, as they also participate in the formation of the integral sector of the national economy.
In other words, the minimization of the cyber incident is interdependent with the preparation of the population, the identification of the factors that could influence the emergence of informational dangers, and the clarification of the ways to combat the phenomenon. Although the majority is not afraid of this type of danger, given the lack of massive attacks in our virtual space and assuming this type of attacks happen far from the Republic of Moldova, people are under the illusion that they are safe, though the truth is different, including in the context of the intensification of the information war, but also the leaks of private correspondence of high-ranking officials in the country. The importance of education in the matter of technologies is also evident in the maintenance of law and order, through its fair application. In recent discussions with legal specialists, I had noticed a vulnerability: cybercrime cannot be ascertained as long as those in power do not highlight its constituent elements, and this phase can only be possible after a flawless administration of the evidence. In the absence of training, the evidence can be easily lost, as well as the chance of stopping the phenomenon of crime.
The Cyber Security Academy will include a specialized laboratory with the latest technologies and tools in the field, made by global manufacturers of cybersecurity solutions. These rooms will allow for the study of various case scenarios, including for the needs of state institutions. At the same time, this project proposes a course program that will be accessible to everyone. The organized courses will be structured according to levels of difficulty, starting with introductory subjects, up to advanced courses. The lessons will be designed in cooperation with international institutions in the field, but also with TOP producers of cybersecurity solutions.
