Cybersecurity and geopolitical dimensions of external information interventions in Ukraine: Analysis of current trends

Abstract

Introduction: from the year 2019, the country has experienced a series of cyber incidents affecting its key areas of infrastructure such as energy, finance, communication, government, healthcare, and technology. Objective: to define and explain the contemporary threats in the sphere of cyber security, as well as the geopolitical aspect of external interference in Ukraine’s information space for the years 2019-2024. Method: sources used to gather data for this research were government and cybersecurity firm reports, academic articles, news articles from reliable media houses, and social media listening tools. Quantitative data collected by statistical tools analyzed the trend as well as the intensity of cyber threats. They also included specific case exhibits as well as interviews with the experts to get more information. Results: the study indicated that there will be improved and more frequent attacks and that these will be more complex from 2019 to 2024 in Ukraine. It caused moderate disruption to the key sectors but the disruptions were especially noticed in sectors such as energy, finance, communication, government, healthcare, and technology. Conflict events in Donbas, the COVID-19 outbreak, the enhancement of military tensions, and the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 were associated with increases in the level of cyber efforts. Conclusion: the conclusion points out that Ukraine needs effective international cooperation, the highest level of technological protection, and profound geopolitical analysis to safeguard cyberspace and prevent conflicts in Eastern Europe.