Cyberattacks on business: Is it real for Kyrgyzstan?

March 3, 2020

Melissa Hathaway - a president of Hathaway Global Strategies LLC. Photo: Asipa Altymysheva / UNDP Kyrgyzstan

In recent years, cybersecurity has become one of the key international topics for discussion. Hackers have affected individual companies and entire countries, and losses from cyberattacks in 2021 could reach $6 trillion.

As a rule, opening a business, regardless of its size, every entrepreneur does everything to ensure the safety of his business. Everything must be controlled: intellectual property, costs and expenses, audit and so on. However, security in terms of information technologies remains unnoticed. To prevent possible cyberattacks, UNDP organized a meeting with Melissa Hathaway, an international expert on cyberpolitics.

"Over the past 30 years we have become highly dependent on the Internet and communication technologies. Every day we use electronic devices and give a lot of personal information. It causes operational and financial risks.  I would like to note that the basic infrastructure and devices are not secured".

Melissa Hathaway, expert on cyber crime, security, internet policy and infrastructure

Event on cybersecurity organized by UNDP Kyrgyzstan. Photo: Asipa Altymysheva / UNDP Kyrgyzstan

Many countries have invested in developing ICT defense capabilities. These capabilities can range from information operations to disrupting critical networks. Small and medium-sized businesses are the hardest hit; as only large corporations can afford to build effective cyber defense systems. But even that doesn't help them to be fully protected. Huge corporations only protect their perimeter.  Unfortunately, no country or large company can solve the problem of cybercrime on its own.

The event was held under the UNDP project " Digital skills and opportunities for youth employment towards digital economy" with the financial support of the Russian Federation - UNDP Trust Fund.

Participant of the meeting. Photo: Asipa Altymysheva / UNDP Kyrgyzstan