Yegor Aushev: "Protecting Ukraine from Cyber Aggression: A Global Imperative"

"Our invaluable experiences must be shared with a wider audience, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts across national borders. Cyber warfare knows no bounds and affects nations worldwide," expressed Yegor Aushev, cybersecurity adviser to the Ukrainian government.

In response to the eruption of hostilities in Ukraine, Yegor Aushev spearheaded the formation of an online army, harnessing its collective strength to defend the nation. Leveraging online platforms, this global coalition rapidly expanded within days, amassing thousands of skilled cyber soldiers.

"While my expertise lies outside conventional weaponry, my unwavering commitment to defending Ukraine remained resolute. Recognizing the shared conviction of others, I disseminated messages across various internet forums, urging those without firearms or combat training to rally in the cyber realm," he stated.

Yegor Aushev was granted permission to attend the Almedal Week in Visby, Gotland, as a distinguished guest of Consid. During the seminar, he joined forces with Björn Fägersten, a renowned security expert at the Swedish Institute of International Affairs.

What sets Ukraine apart from other nations impacted by hostile aggression is its uninterrupted internet connectivity, a result of comprehensive cybersecurity education programs that have been prioritized within the national defense framework.

"Realistically, no nation can single-handedly shield its entire population against an aggressor like Russia, who may attempt to sever internet connectivity, disrupt electrical systems, or undermine power supplies. Ensuring effective countermeasures against cyber intrusions necessitates collective efforts by organizations, families, and individuals. While the government and defense apparatus play crucial roles, we must all grasp the gravity of safeguarding our personal devices," he expounded.

Björn Fägersten echoed Yegor Aushev's sentiments regarding the paramount significance of understanding that cyber warfare concerns the entire population and has widespread ramifications.

"The consequences of the cyber war between Ukraine and Russia resonate throughout Europe, significantly impacting nations closely connected to Ukraine, including Poland, Moldova, and even Sweden. The cyber war is already at our doorstep," remarked Björn Fägersten.

Yegor Aushev shed light on instances where Russian attackers exploited the digital devices of ordinary Swedish citizens in their assaults against Ukraine.

"We identified a substantial number of DDoS attacks, leading us to trace several IP addresses back to Sweden. It is reasonable to presume that IT devices connected to the internet were compromised and subsequently utilized by Russia," elucidated Yegor Aushev.