Addressing security incidents requires enhancing employees’ information culture, training qualified specialists, and developing digital skills—all of which are achievable through education. In this spirit, the “Cybercor” National Institute for Cybersecurity Innovation, which was inaugurated on September 18, has become a central platform for promoting cybersecurity awareness. On October 4, Dinu Țurcanu, UTM’s Vice-Rector for Digitalization and a trainer at Cybercor, partnered with Cisco Systems to launch a series of training sessions titled “Information Security and Cybersecurity Awareness,” supporting the European Cybersecurity Month 2024 initiative.
The aim of this initiative is to equip employees of the Chișinău Court, including the Central, Ciocana, Centru, Rîșcani, and Buiucani branches, with a solid understanding of the importance of information and cybersecurity by the end of October. Participants will learn about major cyber threats, best practices for safeguarding sensitive data, and how to respond effectively to protect the institution’s infrastructure.
On Friday, October 4, 41 employees from the Centru branch of the Chișinău Court were introduced to essential information security concepts, cybersecurity defense strategies, and effective incident prevention methods. The training covered a range of topics, including data protection, recognizing and managing cyber threats, defense tactics against ransomware, and the importance of a prompt and well-informed response by applying proper security measures.
“The objective of training the Court’s employees is to equip them with the skills needed to ensure cybersecurity in the digital space. Participants will receive valuable information on techniques and methods for evaluating and identifying fraudulent emails, how to verify sender addresses using specialized scanning platforms, measures to prevent malicious software, the risks associated with online browsing, social engineering threats and mechanisms, and the minimum requirements for securing terminal equipment and mobile devices. In this regard, I would like to highlight the significant contribution of Mrs. Livia MITROFAN, Acting President of the Chișinău Court, as well as the members of the Superior Council of Magistracy, with whom I had constructive discussions on August 15, facilitating the training of participants on the Cybercor platform. Every institution should follow their example—implementing and enforcing periodic security awareness programs to train their staff, including administrative, management, or oversight bodies, on how to address information security risks,” noted the UTM Vice-Rector at the conclusion of the training.
The training session focused on the following key topics:
– Foundations of Information and Cybersecurity: Understanding the basic concepts and their importance.
– Recognizing Cyber Threats: Identifying the main types of attacks and vulnerabilities.
– Best Practices for Data Protection: Implementing simple measures to safeguard sensitive information.
– Incident Response Procedures: How to respond appropriately in the event of a cyber attack.
Through these educational initiatives, UTM and “Cybercor,” supported by the Moldova Development Foundation and funded by a Google grant, are not only strengthening national security but also highlighting the critical role cybersecurity education plays in developing a resilient digital society.
The mission of the “Cybercor” National Institute for Cybersecurity Innovation is pivotal in building a secure digital society. This effort is closely aligned with the Government’s decision from September 13, 2023, which officially designated UTM as the central institution responsible for strengthening national cybersecurity. UTM’s role involves implementing specialized training programs, conducting cybersecurity exercises, advancing research and innovation in the field, and fostering partnerships with leading industry organizations.
It is worth noting that this training is part of a series planned for 2024, in collaboration with Cybercor and Cisco Systems, aiming to provide expertise to both public and private institutions. These sessions are designed to transfer knowledge that can be applied in real-world scenarios to implement the best practices and solutions in cybersecurity.
European Cybersecurity Month (ECSM) is an initiative of the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA), organizing various events throughout October to raise awareness about cybersecurity. In support of this, UTM and CYBERCOR will be hosting:
– Cybersecurity training sessions for state institution employees, academic staff, students, and Ph.D. candidates.
– Thematic seminars to raise awareness of cyber threats and incidents.
– Social media campaigns promoting minimum security standards using the hashtag #ThinkB4UClick.
The collaboration between state institutions, cybersecurity product manufacturers, and CYBERCOR exemplifies a successful model for promoting education and innovation in cybersecurity. This approach emphasizes the importance of integrated and proactive strategies in the face of increasingly sophisticated digital threats. Education and prevention remain fundamental pillars in building a secure and resilient digital society for future challenges. By working together and investing in education and technology, we can create a safer cyber environment and strengthen cooperation to face evolving digital threats.
