The National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine has accused the Signal messenger of inaction in the face of Russian cyber threats, which complicates the fight against enemy attacks. The corresponding statement was made by Deputy Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Serhiy Demedyuk during an international cybersecurity forum.
The National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine has accused the Signal messenger of inaction in the face of Russian cyber threats, which complicates the fight against enemy attacks. The corresponding statement was made by Deputy Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Serhiy Demedyuk during an international cybersecurity forum.
According to him, Russia is actively using digital platforms to interfere in electoral processes, attack critical infrastructure and spread disinformation. «Defense is a thing of the past. Cyber-offensive capabilities are now our main goal, the Russians understand only force. We must repel the enemy together with our partners», — Demedyuk stressed.
One of the key security threats, according to NSDC representatives, was Signal’s refusal to cooperate with law enforcement agencies. After the arrest of Pavel Durov in Paris, the Telegram messenger began to cooperate with states for more open interaction with law enforcement agencies, which forced Russian cybercriminals to switch to Signal.
The lack of interaction with law enforcement makes it difficult to detect and neutralize attacks. «By its inaction, the company is worsening the ability to counter Russian threats. We hope that Signal will heed our call», — Demediuk added.
Dan Cîmpean, Director General of the National Cybersecurity Directorate of Romania, noted that the problem is global, and no country will be able to cope with cyber threats on its own.
«It is naive to think that Western democracies can confront these threats on their own. You cannot win a war if you only defend yourself. We need to shift the focus from deterrence to a rapid response to an attack», — he stressed.
Alexander Zeger, Head of the Cybercrime Unit of the Council of Europe, drew attention to the lack of global leadership in putting pressure on large digital platforms. In his opinion, this significantly complicates the coordination of efforts to counter threats.
Luca Tagliaretti, Executive Director of the European Cybersecurity Competence Center, emphasized the need to create technological sovereignty for Europe, taking into account the experience of Ukraine.
«We need synergy between European countries. Today Signal, tomorrow satellites — we have to ensure the security of the entire chain», — he noted.
Europe is already investing in the development of alternative technologies that do not depend on closed platforms. «Big companies declare their readiness for discussions, but it is difficult for one country to negotiate with them. That is why Europe is investing in the development of alternatives», — said Dan Champean.
The forum also discussed ways to improve coordination between countries in the field of cyber defense and the need to focus not only on defense, but also on active measures to counter threats. According to experts, effectively stopping hackers should take no more than 40 minutes, which requires a prompt response and coordinated actions by the international community.
