National Cybersecurity Coordination Center (NCSCC)

NCSCC wishes you a Happy New Year! 🎅 Cybersecurity is the cornerstone of trust, cooperation, and resilience, built on the unwavering dedication of those who protect the digital realm every day. As we step into the new year, we do so with deep gratitude to everyone who defends our freedom and strengthens Ukraine's cyber resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges. This past year has made us stronger, more resilient, and bolder. We’ve learned to live without delay, to dream, and to plan with confidence. In 2025, we wish you strength, inspiration, and motivation to achieve victories on every front – from cyber defense to rebuilding our country. May your efforts help defeat the enemy and shape the future of Ukraine’s land, culture, and nation. May every home be filled with comfort, harmony, and love. We eagerly await the return of our defenders and continue working together to bring closer the fulfillment of our most cherished wish: peace in our homeland. Let 2025 be a year of strengthened partnerships, innovative solutions, and significant victories for Ukraine. Together, we remain unbreakable, resilient, and committed to building a secure and prosperous future. Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the Heroes! 🇺🇦 Happy New Year!🎄

The role of women in strengthening Ukraine's cyber resilience was the main topic of the National Cybersecurity Cluster meeting On December 17, the 32nd meeting of the National Cybersecurity Cluster was held on the topic: “The Role of Women in Ensuring Ukraine's Cybersecurity: Challenges and Prospects”. The event was organized by the National Cybersecurity Coordination Center at the NSDC of Ukraine together with CRDF Global in Ukraine with the support of the U.S. Department of State and in cooperation with the Women’s Leadership and Strategic Initiatives Foundation (WLSIF) and the Parkovy. ❝ The involvement of women in cybersecurity significantly enhances our ability to counter cyber threats. Women have a unique way of thinking that complements the approaches of men, creating a synergy that allows us to successfully solve the most complex problems. We need to encourage more women and girls to find their place in the cyber sphere because their potential can strengthen our capabilities at all levels - from operational actions to strategic planning and key decision-making, ❞ – said the Deputy Secretary of the NSDC of Ukraine Serhii Demediuk, opening the event. The event brought together representatives of the public, private, and educational sectors, donor organizations, NGOs and the media community working in the field of cybersecurity. Participants discussed key challenges and prospects for increasing women's participation in strengthening national cyber resilience, as well as ways to engage young people in the cyber sphere through education, professional programs, and career development, which will help strengthen Ukraine's human resources and technological development. ❝ During the full-scale invasion of russia, the involvement of women in cybersecurity is not just a matter of equality or compliance with international standards. It is a vital necessity for strengthening national security and ensuring the stability of the state. Women have always played an important role in the development of our country, and today their contribution is becoming even more significant. We need to create opportunities for professional growth and development at all levels, from education to leadership, to help attract new talent to the cybersecurity field. This not only strengthens our economy and technological development but also contributes to a common victory in the struggle for the future of Ukraine, ❞ – said Nataliya Tkachuk, the Head of the Information Security and Cybersecurity Department at the NSDC of Ukraine and Secretary of the NCSCC. Particular attention was paid to the practical tasks that the participants performed in group sessions. The developed ideas and proposals will be included in the national initiative to increase gender equality and involve women in strategic and operational tasks in cyberspace in Ukraine.

Cyber Defense, Information Resilience and Cyber Diplomacy: NCSCC held strategic-level tabletop exercise «National Cyber Readiness - 2024» On December 13, the National Cybersecurity Coordination Center (NCCC) under the NSDC of Ukraine held the fourth annual strategic level tabletop exercise (TTX) «National Cyber Readiness 2024». The main goal of the event is to strengthen Ukraine's national cybersecurity system by developing effective mechanisms for joint response to cyber threats. ❝ These exercises demonstrate our ability to respond to complex cyber threats in a prompt and coordinated manner. Participation in the exercise allows us to increase the level of national cyber preparedness and ensure reliable protection of state institutions and critical infrastructure, which is critical in times of war. Participants get the opportunity to test their solutions in conditions as close to real life as possible. After all, our scenarios are based on up-to-date intelligence and take into account the probability of events, ❞ – emphasized Deputy Secretary of NSDC of Ukraine Serhii Demediuk. This year's scenarios focused on cyber defense, information resilience, and cyber diplomacy. Participants practiced mechanisms for making strategic decisions in response to large-scale cyber attacks, as well as related military and information operations. The scenarios included several complex threats that could affect Ukraine's national security. Nataliya Tkachuk, the Head of the Information Security and Cybersecurity Department at the NSDC of Ukraine and Secretary of the NCSCC noted that such exercises allow for the formation of a common vision of how to respond to potential cyber threats: ❝ This year's scenario focused on cybersecurity, information security, crisis response, and partner cooperation. Notable progress was seen in cybersecurity: roles are clear, information is shared effectively, and coordination has improved. However, cognitive influence remains a key threat, linking cyber operations with information warfare and military actions. Annual strategic level TTX aimed to strengthen coordination across these domains. We thank all participants for their contributions to enhancing the country's cybersecurity. ❞ The strategic-level tabletop exercises conducted by the National Cybersecurity Coordination Center have increased the readiness of key cybersecurity actors to interact effectively, respond quickly to threats, and strengthen national cyber resilience. The TTX was supported by the USAID Cybersecurity Activity and the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Security, Defense, and Intelligence.

NCSCC and Partners Host UA-EE Cyber Shield Cybersecurity Competition From December 9-11, 2024, the National Cybersecurity Coordination Center (NCSCC) together with Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, the Security Service of Ukraine, and the Embassy of Estonia, organized the large-scale cybersecurity competition “UA-EE Cyber Shield.” The event was held under the Tallinn Mechanism framework to strengthen cyber resilience and facilitate knowledge-sharing between Ukraine and Estonia. The competition aimed to equip participants with practical skills in preventing, detecting, and responding to modern cyber threats. Realistic cyber incident scenarios allowed participants to operate in environments closely resembling real-life attacks, enhancing the professional capabilities of specialists from government agencies, critical enterprises, and students and cadets from specialized universities. The event was officially opened by Serhii Demediuk, the Deputy Secretary of NSDC of Ukraine; Valeriya Ionan, the Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine; and Kristen Michael, the Prime Minister of Estonia. In their opening remarks, they highlighted the crucial role of international partnerships and the exchange of practical knowledge in countering cyber threats. ❝ Joint exercises with Estonian partners are more than just an exchange of experience. They allow us to refine our cyber defense approaches by addressing real threats and challenges. Estonia was the first country to face russian cyberattacks, and their practical expertise helps us better prepare for potential scenarios. Ukraine and Estonia’s combined experience should serve as a model for scaling and expanding cooperation with other partner countries. Only through continuous joint training can we create a cyber coalition that works not just on paper but becomes a real tool for countering cyber threats ❞, – Serhii Demediuk. The competition gathered 250 participants organized into 25 blue teams operating in a simulated environment. Teams demonstrated their ability to respond to complex cyber incidents while developing effective strategies to defend critical infrastructure. Competition Results: 🏆 Overall Winner: “Mav3rik” team – Armed Forces of Ukraine Special Nominations: ● “Task Solver” – “dcua” team, Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute ● “SITREP (Situation Report)” – “Lie-Fi” team, State Center for Cyber Defense ● “Cooperation” – “Cyber 7” team, Central Research Institute of Arms and Military Equipment of the Armed Forces of Ukraine The event was held with the cooperation of CDTO Campus, AmonSul and the technological support of the e-Governance Academy, Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV) and CybExer Technologies.

🇺🇦 Strengthening Ukraine's digital resilience: Oleksandr Lytvynenko took part in the Ukrainian-Estonian business forum The exchange of experiences and technologies between Ukraine and Estonia will strengthen our ability to counter modern cyber threats amid Russia's ongoing aggression. This was emphasized by the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, Oleksandr Lytvynenko, during the opening of the Ukrainian-Estonian business forum «Exchange of Experience and Cooperation between Ukrainian and Estonian Companies». The forum's key speakers included Kristen Michal, the Prime Minister of Estonia, Anneli Kolk, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Estonia to Ukraine, and Tanel Sepp, the Ambassador-at-Large for Cyber Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia. The dialogue also featured Mykhailo Fedorov, Vice Prime Minister for Innovation, Education, Science, and Technology Development and Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, Serhii Demediuk, Deputy Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, and leading government cybersecurity experts. 🇪🇪 Welcoming the participants, Kristen Michal, the Prime Minister of Estonia noted that the forum would strengthen the cyber sector cooperation between the two partner countries. He also emphasized that supporting Ukraine’s victory will remain a top priority for Estonia. The forum featured a panel discussion on the importance of cybersecurity and international cooperation between Ukraine and Estonia. Participants shared their views on the role of cybersecurity in Ukraine's long-term digital resilience, discussed the #TallinnMechanism — a tool for cybersecurity cooperation that complements international efforts to enhance Ukraine's cyber resilience and protect its civilian infrastructure. The event was organized by the National Cybersecurity Coordination Center (NCSCC) in cooperation with the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine and the Embassy of Estonia in Ukraine. Nataliya Tkachuk Valeriya Ionan Serhii Prokopenko Lauri Luht Anastasiia Ostrovska Oksana Oliferenko Anastasia Bratko

NCSCC Advances Strategic Leadership in Cybersecurity: 50 Executives Trained Through the SJC-2024 Program On December 6-7, 2024, the final module of the second cohort of the SJC-2024 Strategic Leadership for Cybersecurity Executives program, organized by the National Cybersecurity Coordination Center (NCSCC) at the NSDC of Ukraine in partnership with GC3, was successfully completed. The program brought together approximately 50 senior leaders from the public and private sectors working in cybersecurity. Nataliya Tkachuk, the Head of the Information Security and Cybersecurity Department at the NSDC of Ukraine and Secretary of the NCSCC, underscored the critical importance of leadership development initiatives: ❝ In times of war, when the future of the country is being decided, leadership becomes decisive. People's lives and national security depend on the decisions made by those in charge. True leaders must not only make difficult decisions but also lead by example, showing resilience and responsibility when established algorithms no longer apply, and choices must be made swiftly under real threats.During wartime, there is often no room for mistakes—errors can be costly both on the battlefield and in the realm of cybersecurity and cyber defense. Therefore, leadership is about choice and responsibility. It means believing in your mission, understanding the path forward, and having the courage to lead in any circumstance. This program was designed to cultivate such leaders ❞. Nataliya Tkachuk also highlighted that the program has become a unique platform for experience-sharing and fostering professional networks: ❝ Cybersecurity issues and challenges are global and common to all. It is crucial to exchange knowledge, implement innovative solutions, and strengthen partnerships at every level ❞. SOPHOS.JOINT.CYBER 2.0 was developed in collaboration with leading international experts to enhance strategic management and decision-making in cybersecurity. The program featured four intensive modules focused on building critical thinking, leadership, and strategy development, ultimately strengthening Ukraine's cyber resilience.

Serhii Demediuk: trust and international cooperation are the basis for effective counteraction to cyber threats The NCSCC, in collaboration with CRDF Global, supported by U.S. Department of State and in partnership with Urad Vlade Republike Slovenije za informacijsko varnost held the fourth International Cybersecurity Cluster meeting titled «Ukraine's Experience in Countering russian Cyber War: Lessons for Balkan Countries» in Ljubljana (Slovenia). The event gathered around 150 participants, including representatives from public and private sectors, international organizations, the diplomatic corps, and civil society. Opening the event, Serhii Demediuk, the Deputy Secretary of the NSDC of Ukraine, highlighted that russia's hybrid warfare has been ongoing since 2012, with cyberspace playing a pivotal role. ❝Through cyberattacks and information operations, the aggressor executes non-kinetic actions against democratic nations, often disguised as criminal activities. Attributing such attacks requires time and significant effort, while information operations aimed at manipulating global public opinion remain among the gravest threats. Cybersecurity and information security are inseparable and demand a comprehensive approach to tackle these challenges effectively. Events like those organized by the NCSCC in Slovenia are critical for fostering international trust and cooperation. Real-time collaboration is the most effective way to counter cyber threats. Through direct dialogue and joint efforts, we are building the foundation for global cyber resilience,❞ – Demediuk stated. At the event, Nataliya Tkachuk, the Head of the Information Security and Cybersecurity Department of the NSDC of Ukraine, and the Secretary of the NCSСC, shared key lessons from Ukraine's fight against russian cyber aggression. Panel discussions covered: ● joint efforts to counter threats from the east and Ukraine-EU cooperation. ● strengthening public-private cybersecurity partnerships between Ukraine and the EU. Key speakers included Andriy Taran, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Republic of Slovenia, Uroš Svete, Mykhailo (Misha) Verych, Anna Sarri (European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA), Gorazd Božič, Ievgen Vladimirov, Oleksandr Tarasov, along with leading companies and organizations like Computer Forensics Lab LLC CyberLab, Women’s Leadership and Strategic Initiatives Foundation (WLSIF), Parkovy Data Center, Institute of Cyber Warfare Research, Cyber Unit Technologies - CyberUnit.Tech, Viris etc. The International Cybersecurity Cluster in Slovenia once again emphasized Ukraine's leading role in cybersecurity and became a platform for strengthening international cooperation to counter global challenges. Read more: https://lnkd.in/g9e3s5R8

NCSCC organized the first international cybersecurity competition in Slovenia On November 27, 2024, the National Cybersecurity Coordination Center (NCSCC) under the NSDC of Ukraine held the «Regional Cyber Shield» international cybersecurity competition (CTF). The event aimed to enhance the professional skills of cybersecurity specialists, foster collaboration, and facilitate knowledge sharing to bolster regional cyber resilience. The competition brought together representatives from Slovenia, Montenegro, Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Albania, and Kosovo. It was held at ukrainian cyber range #UnitRange. Regional Cyber Shield was a practical test based on Ukraine's unique experience in countering russian cyber aggression. Participants tackled tasks simulating real-world challenges in the energy and telecommunications sectors, including detecting unauthorized access, conducting security audits, and addressing #AI driven threats. «Cyber Resilience Strategies» #TTX and «Regional Cyber Shield» #CTF demonstrated Ukraine's leadership role and significant contribution to the development of international cybersecurity. These initiatives also helped strengthen the collective cyber resilience of European countries. The events were held as part of the International Cybersecurity Cluster, organized by the NCSCC together with CRDF Global and with the support of the U.S. Department of State, in partnership with Urad Vlade Republike Slovenije za informacijsko varnost. Technological partners: Cyber Unit Technologies - CyberUnit.Tech and Institute of Cyber Warfare Research.

Ukraine held a regional table-top exercise for Balkan countries for the first time The National Cybersecurity Coordination Center (NCSCC) under the NSDC of Ukraine held the first international strategic tabletop exercise «Cyber Resilience Strategies» on November 27. The event brought together representatives from Slovenia, Montenegro, Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Albania, and Kosovo. The TTX aimed to enhance international collaboration and coordination among countries to strengthen their ability to respond effectively to large-scale cyberattacks and accompanying information operations. ❝ Today, cyberspace is a battleground for global confrontations, with the russian federation using it as a weapon of war not only against Ukraine but also against European countries and #NATO allies. Before the full-scale invasion, the #NCSCC conducted strategic tabletop exercises that played an important role in bolstering Ukraine’s cyber resilience. Now, we are sharing this invaluable experience with international partners to help strengthen their cyber capabilities and unite efforts to enhance cybersecurity across Europe❞, — said Nataliya Tkachuk, the Head of the Information Security and Cybersecurity Department of the NSDC of Ukraine, the Secretary of the NCSСC, opening the event. The scenario developed by Ukrainian experts included coordination of actions between countries and authorized entities within each country, cooperation with the private sector and NGOs, and development of response algorithms in conditions of limited or absent communication channels. The tasks were aimed at ensuring effective interaction even in crisis situations where traditional management and information exchange mechanisms are not available. The exercise was organized with support from the CRDF Global and the U.S. Department of State, in partnership with Urad Vlade Republike Slovenije za informacijsko varnost. Technological support was provided by Cyber Unit Technologies - CyberUnit.Tech and Institute of Cyber Warfare Research.

Join Us at the Kyiv International Cyber Resilience Forum 2025! 📅 February 19-20, 2025 📍 Kyiv, Ukraine Kyiv will once again become the global hub of cybersecurity as it hosts the Kyiv International Cyber Resilience Forum 2025: Defending Democracy. Initiated by the National Cybersecurity Coordination Center (NCSCC), the forum will gather top government officials, technology leaders, cybersecurity experts, and members of the international cyber community. Building on the success of the 2024 event, next year’s KICRF is set to be even more impactful, featuring a greater number of high-profile experts and influential players from across the cybersecurity ecosystem. ❝ This year’s forum united the heads of leading cybersecurity agencies from Europe and the United States in the heart of Ukraine — a truly historic moment for our country and the international community. In 2025, the forum will scale to new heights, as collective efforts to counter cyber threats remain critical for Ukraine and the entire democratic world. The Kyiv International Cyber Resilience Forum serves as a unique platform where experts, thought leaders and partners come together to strengthen collective resilience and drive innovation in cybersecurity ❞, – said The Deputy Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine and The Deputy Head of the NCSCC Serhii Demediuk. Key Themes of #KICRF2025: ● Cyber operations in military conflicts ● Emerging technologies: risks and opportunities ● Hybrid and FIMI threats ● Global deterrence: the need for transformation ● Partnerships during wartime ● Innovations and solutions for cyber resilience  What to Expect: ➤ keynote speeches and panel discussions with leading Ukrainian and international experts. ➤ hands-on workshops, training sessions, and a two-day international cybersecurity competition (CTF) for professionals. 💡 We invite speakers and guests to join the Kyiv International Cyber Resilience Forum 2025 – register now at https://lnkd.in/dSyK2TK2 Media inquiries: press@cyberforumkyiv.com Let’s shape the future of cybersecurity together! Nataliya Tkachuk Serhii Prokopenko Anastasiia Ostrovska Dr. Yegor Aushev Mykhailo (Misha) Verych