Ukraine's Security Service Establishes Cybersecurity Centers Nationwide to Protect Critical Infrastructure

Regional Cybersecurity Centers Established

According to Главком: Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) has now set up regional cybersecurity centers in every oblast of the country, with the primary goal of defending critical infrastructure. These units are tasked with identifying vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure assets, as well as preventing and neutralizing cyberattacks. Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, specialists from the SBU's Cybersecurity Department have successfully countered over 14,000 major cyberattacks and critical cyber incidents.

Key Focus Areas for SBU Cyber Specialists

The majority of hostile cyber intrusions have targeted the resources of central government bodies and strategically vital enterprises in the energy, transport, and defense sectors. SBU cyber experts have conducted research on the Pterodo virus, which adversaries use to infiltrate systems. Based on this research, specialized software was developed to block the transmission of data from infected devices to Russian hackers. It is estimated that the Pterodo spyware has infected approximately 18,000 devices in Ukraine in recent years.

The developed software is capable of encrypting stolen information while it is in transit to the malicious actors, significantly enhancing the level of protection. The successful cyber operation was reported to the President of Ukraine by the acting head of the SBU, Major General Yevhenii Khmal.

The Security Service of Ukraine continuously collaborates with other state bodies, critical infrastructure operators, and the expert community, and also shares its acquired experience with international partners.

Volodymyr Karastelov, an SBU representative, noted that the agency emphasizes proactive measures, particularly the preventive detection of vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure defense systems.

He stressed the importance of developing the network of regional cybersecurity centers, which are located near important facilities and are ready to respond swiftly to any cyber threats.

The creation of these regional cybersecurity centers marks a crucial step in strengthening the country's defense capabilities, especially amid Russia's ongoing aggression. This effort is part of a broader, urgent push to harden Ukraine's digital defenses as cyber warfare has become a central front in the conflict. The implementation of new protective technologies and active cooperation with international partners demonstrates Ukraine's commitment to improving its cybersecurity and safeguarding critical infrastructure from potential threats. It also underscores the growing global relevance of preemptive measures in countering cyberattacks.