Ukrainian authorities to strengthen cyber defense through OSCE project

Ukrainian public institutions will be strengthening defenses against cyber threats through an OSCE-run cyber hygiene project for public servants.

That’s according to the OSCE press service, Ukrinform reports.

“A new cyber hygiene project for employees of state institutions in Ukraine was presented on 30 September 2021 by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine with the National Agency of Ukraine for Civil Service and the Ukrainian School of Governance (USG). The project comprises an online and in-person programme for basic cybersecurity skills, an equipped mobile training centre and a pool of trainers prepared to teach public servants,” the report says.

The project’s short-term course, Cyber Hygiene Essentials, comprises nine online modules, available at Diia. Digital Education Platform  and DESPRO online resource, which are complemented by a 2-day in-person training session delivered by the USG, an official provider of training courses for public officials.

The short-term course covers a range of topics related to the most widespread digital threats, including hacking and phishing, and ways to avoid them.

Further training courses were delivered at various locations using 20 laptops provided by the OSCE Project coordinator, equipped with appropriate software and complemented by a Methodological Manual and Workbook for Participants of Cyber Hygiene Training.

In addition, a pool of 52 trainers were selected and prepared to provide training courses, including pilot training sessions.

“Once a public servant completes the course, they are entitled to one European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) point in the state’s system of retraining and career management. One ECTS stands for 30 hours of annual mandatory re-training of civil servants,” the OSCE press service wrote.

To further support Ukrainian partners in addressing cyberspace-related risks, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator will launch in October 2021 an awareness-raising campaign and develop advanced training courses for IT specialists hired by state institutions.

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