In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the rapid pace of digital transformation and remote access infrastructure created a favorable environment for new cybersecurity threats. In the first half of this year alone, over 46% of companies globally were subject to at least one cyber-attack. The figures were presented in the eight “Moldova Cyber Week”, the 2020 edition, which was held online, IPN reports.

According to Prime Minister Ion Chicu, one of the lessons learned by Moldova in the current context is that you can never be fully prepared for such events as the COVID-19 pandemic and that the effects have a large-scale impact on each aspect of life and the economy. “We should become more agile in adapting or developing national cybersecurity strategies and the legal and regulatory framework on cyberspace. More than ever, cybersecurity necessitates international cooperation and increased trust at all the levels, between countries and industries,” stated the official.

EU Ambassador to Moldova Peter Michalko said the cybersecurity incidents witnessed in the region during the last few years determined the rethinking of cybersecurity policies. This is what the European Union had done during the last few years and this lead to the adoption, in June 2019, of a new law on cybersecurity that, on the one hand, offers more resources and more responsibilities to the Agency responsible for cybersecurity and, on the other hand, introduced cybersecurity certification for companies in the EU. “It is our objective to offer support to those who do not form part of the European community. In our internal security, the EU depends on external security, of its neighbors, as cyberspace is an area without well-defined limits and borders,” noted the diplomat.

U.S. Ambassador in Chisinau Dereck J. Hogan said the United States has always been a reliable partner of the Republic of Moldova, especially in addressing the problem of cybersecurity. “We consider technology should consolidate democracy, should promote freedom and empower the citizens,” he stated, noting the U.S. will assist Moldova in strengthening its position on cybersecurity.

Launched in 2012, “Moldova Cyber Week” is an annual event centering on cybersecurity that is held under the patronage of the Government of the Republic of Moldova. This year the event will last for three days.