Ukraine enhances critical infrastructure security through learning from Estonia and Finland

Critical infrastructure is the backbone of a state, and its security is more crucial than ever. Recently, leading specialists from the State Special Service for Communications and Information Protection of Ukraine took part in a study visit to Estonia and Finland. During the visit, they exchanged experiences with their European colleagues on safeguarding critical infrastructure against attacks by aggressors and natural disasters.

The visit focused on: 

• Practical cases on ensuring the resilience of energy, transport and other key sectors against cyberattacks and emergencies, taking into account the requirements of EU. 
• Approaches to coordination between law enforcement and the military and how to create a single point of contact and rapid response to threats to critical infrastructure. 
• Algorithms of interaction between public and private institutions during emergencies: how to organise information exchange, coordination and rapid notification systems. 
• A comprehensive approach to threats – from prevention and monitoring to effective response to any threat, including in cyberspace. 

In Estonia, the participants visited the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Climate, the NATO Joint Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence, the Government Office, etc. There, Ukrainian delegation familiarised themselves with the principles of interaction between government agencies to protect critical infrastructure. 

In Finland, the Ukrainian delegation got acquainted with the work of the National Emergency Management Agency, the Situation Centre for Coordination of Critical Infrastructure and leading institutions responsible for the stability of vital infrastructure. The Finnish integrated approach to threats that minimises risks and ensures the sustainability of critical facilities was discussed. 

This visit was supported by the European Union within the DT4UA project implemented by the e-Governance Academy.