The former CEO of Google praised the Ukrainians for their conduct of the computer and technological war.
Eric Schmidt, the former CEO of Google, told reporters that Ukraine was demonstrating how crucial computing and technology were for a wartime country. Very competent in this area, the Ukrainians are currently managing relatively well to repel Russian cyberattacks, which were feared before the war.
The Ukrainian government passed a crucial law
From the first days of the invasion, the Ukrainian parliament managed to pass a bill to transfer government and public administration data to a cloud instead of government servers. Such a decision provides better protection against attempts by Russian hackers to steal information or compromise data.
This change has long been blocked, in particular by pro-Russian parliamentarians, who had no choice but to change their minds when Putin’s troops crossed the border of their country. Ukraine, however, had for many years been the preferred target of cyberattacks from Russia, and such a change seemed necessary. This is probably only one of the reasons, but Russian hackers, despite having a terrifying reputation, have so far failed to inflict significant damage on Ukrainian networks and infrastructure.
Ukraine has benefited from significant foreign aid
One important factor, which Kremlin strategists may not have anticipated, is Elon Musk’s decision to make his Starlink network available to Ukraine. From the first days of the invasion, the South African billionaire announced the delivery of 20,000 terminals allowing portable access to the Internet, even if traditional communications are cut off. This allows the Ukrainian troops in particular to continue to transmit information while they are in a delicate situation. The best example was during the siege of the Azovstal factory in Mariupol, during which soldiers were able to video chat with journalists. By preventing the Ukrainian telecommunications blackout, which Moscow was probably counting on, Musk has undoubtedly made a difference.
Another practice has emerged during this conflict: the use of smartphone applications available to all for military purposes. In addition to encrypted messaging, the Kyiv government has developed and made available an app called E-Enemy. Its principle is simple: any citizen can use it to signal the presence of Russian troops and equipment or people in need of assistance. Sorted and analyzed, the information collected via the app allows on the one hand a better appreciation of the situation for the Ukrainian army and power, and on the other hand to strike with precision the positions held by Putin’s forces, even far behind the front.
Source : Kiev Post
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