In order to effectively combat security incidents, it is necessary to enhance the general public’s information literacy, train qualified professionals, and develop digital competencies. These objectives are attainable through education. Thus, on the platform of the newly established entity at the Technical University of Moldova—the ‘Cybercor’ National Institute of Cybersecurity Innovations, created with the support of the Future Technologies Project, funded by USAID, the Government of Sweden, and the United Kingdom, Dinu Țurcanu, Vice-Rector for Digitalization at UTM and Strategic Coordinator of Cybercor, in collaboration with Cisco Systems, organized a new training session on the topic “Security Technologies, Prevention, and Detection: Understanding the Importance of Cybersecurity.”
The aim of this initiative was to educate approximately 25 appointed public officials from the subdivisions under the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Moldova on the latest innovative technologies in the field of information security, as well as to present a set of best practices in cyber hygiene. It’s worth noting that maintaining cyber hygiene is not just the duty of IT security managers, analysts, and technicians; rather, it is a collective responsibility that all departments and users must prioritize and adhere to.
“The main goal of training special-status public officials within the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MAI) was to equip them with the essential skills for ensuring cybersecurity in the digital space. Participants were provided with valuable information about techniques and methods for evaluating and identifying fraudulent emails, utilizing specialized scanning platforms to verify sender addresses, implementing preventive measures against malicious software, understanding risks associated with online navigation, recognizing threats and social engineering tactics, and more. In this regard, I would like to acknowledge the significant contribution of Police Colonel Vitalie Moisei, who facilitated the training of MAI participants on the Cybercor platform. It is imperative for all institutions to follow Mr. Moisei’s example by establishing and conducting regular security awareness programs for all staff members, including administrative and managerial personnel, regarding the risks associated with information security,” stated Vice-Rector for Digitalization, Dinu Țurcanu, upon the completion of the training sessions.
Mr. Țurcanu expressed gratitude for the unprecedented support and openness of Cisco Systems, acknowledging their direct involvement in the training and their assistance in organizing this important and beneficial event for society.
It is appropriate to recall that in December 2022, the e-Government Agency (AGE), the Cybersecurity and Information Technology Service (STISC), the Future Technologies Project funded by the United States Agency for International Development and the Government of Sweden, along with the Technical University of Moldova, identified the need to improve Moldova’s educational processes, infrastructure, and cybersecurity. Consequently, a new initiative was introduced—the Cybersecurity Academy. This new entity will cover approximately 1,300 square meters and will feature technologically equipped spaces, training rooms, a server room with simulations of cybersecurity scenarios, thematic halls, and an event hall capable of hosting over 400 people.
This training session is just one of many planned sessions for 2024, carried out in partnership with Cybercor and Cisco Systems. The purpose of these courses is to deliver expertise to both public and private institutions, facilitating the transfer of knowledge to enable the implementation and utilization of best practices and solutions in the aforementioned fields.
