The nature of cyberattacks has become more sophisticated and targeted, with attackers leveraging AI, machine learning, and automation to exploit vulnerabilities

Chris Windley is a Cyber Security expert and Chairman and CEO of the Cyber Security Association. He is an educator and evangelist for Cyber Security and is well connected within the industry across the UK and globally.

LDaily: What is the current state of cybersecurity globally and in Ukraine today? What threats are present and what measures are being taken to defend against cyberattacks?

C. Windley: Cybersecurity is facing numerous challenges globally and in Ukraine, with cyber threats constantly evolving. Key threats include phishing, ransomware, DDoS attacks, and state-sponsored cyberattacks. Ukraine, in particular, has faced increased cyber warfare targeting its critical infrastructure. Organizations and governments are investing in advanced security measures, including AI-based solutions and threat intelligence sharing, to strengthen their cyber defenses.

LDaily:  In recent years, how has the nature of cyberattacks evolved and what has been the impact on businesses and society?

C. Windley: The nature of cyberattacks has become more sophisticated and targeted, with attackers leveraging AI, machine learning, and automation to exploit vulnerabilities. This has led to a significant impact on businesses, including financial loss, reputational damage, and disruption of services. Society, too, is affected as cyberattacks can compromise personal data and privacy, leading to identity theft and fraud.

LDaily:  As one of the most targeted countries for cybercriminals, what specific steps can be taken to enhance Ukraine’s defense against cyberattacks?

C. Windley: To enhance Ukraine’s defense against cyberattacks, the following specific steps can be taken:

• Strengthening public-private partnerships to facilitate the sharing of threat intelligence.
• Mandatory audit of critical and strategic infrastructure enterprises.
• Investing in cybersecurity education to develop a skilled workforce.
• Expand and add the importance of cybersecurity for businessInvesting in cybersecurity education to develop a skilled workforce.
• Developing Ukrainian software for cybersecurity. We decided to take it into our own hands and developed Cryeye. CQR is actively cooperating with state agencies and train them in using Cryeye, the next step is integration to protect state resources.
• Implementing robust national cybersecurity policies and frameworks.
• Encouraging research and development in cybersecurity technologies.

LDaily:  What are the concrete steps that large security firms must take in order to ensure protection from cyber threats, and what methods can be employed to achieve this?

C. Windley: Large security firms must adopt a proactive approach to protect against cyber threats. This involves:

• Continuously updating and patching systems to minimize vulnerabilities.
• Employing a multi-layered security strategy, including intrusion detection and prevention systems, firewalls, and encryption. CQR has developed a strategy to protect the entire Ukrainian infrastructure. Also, the importance of creating a specialized agency, which will deal with the development of cybersecurity, was indicated.
• Conducting regular security audits and penetration tests to identify weaknesses.
• Investing in employee training and awareness programs to minimize human-related risks.

LDaily:  What is the main risk associated with modern technologies and how can this risk be mitigated?

C. Windley: The main risk associated with modern technologies is the potential for exploitation by cybercriminals. To mitigate this risk, organizations should adopt a security-by-design approach, ensuring that security is integrated throughout the development process of new technologies. Furthermore, continuous monitoring, threat intelligence sharing, and collaboration between stakeholders can help in addressing emerging threats.

LDaily:  What are the current prospects for the development of cybersecurity and how can they affect the future of business and society as a whole?

C. Windley: The prospects for cybersecurity development include the increasing adoption of AI, machine learning, and automation to detect and respond to threats. This can lead to a more secure digital landscape and improved protection for businesses and society. However, it is crucial to address ethical and privacy concerns associated with these technologies and develop appropriate regulations.

LDaily: You are working on the development of the “Ukraine Pavilion” at the International Security and Cyber Security Expo 2023. Please tell us more about this.

C. Windley: I have a military background. Born on a Royal Air Force Station I then went to Germany with my father protecting Europe in The Cold War. My mother is Welsh and that side of the family talked about the Donbas as they were miners, steelmen, railwaymen and Welsh Guards. I was in the Royal Navy as a Weapons Engineer Officer in the 1970s and 80s before the collapse of the USSR. I was in the Eastern Mediterranean on HMS Hermes when the Russians invaded Afghanistan. After leaving the Navy I went into Military Arms companies and then into civilian IT and Cyber companies. There I met Ukrainian business people and software developers. I am a co-founder of the #FreetheLeopards campaign and have supported Ukraine Cyber and Hi Tech companies through the Cyber Security Association Newsletters. I know the Exhibition company Nineteen who run the International Security and Cyber Security Exhibition in London in September every year and other Tech and Cyber Exhibitions. I went to them with the idea of a Ukraine Pavilion. The “Ukraine Pavilion” at the International Security and Cyber Security Expo 2023 is an exciting initiative showcasing the latest cybersecurity solutions and innovations from Ukraine. The pavilion aims to highlight the country’s commitment to cybersecurity, foster international cooperation, and promote Ukrainian cybersecurity companies in the global market. This event is an opportunity to exchange knowledge and expertise with experts from around the world and work together to build a more secure digital future. We are talking to 4 main audiences A. UK, USA and Ukraine Governmental B. Ukraine Cyber, Tech, Drone, Software and AI companies. C. UK and International Investment Banks, Private Equity, Venture Capital, Angel Investors, Law Firms, Accountants, Consultants, Recruitment and HR and Training Companies. D. Military. We have Ukraine Cyber and Tech companies speaking on the main stage and we will also have speaking areas on the Ukraine Pavilion. The event is supported by @MriyaReport twitter space ( where we founded #FreetheLeopards ), NAFO and Introbiz International Networking. It will be THE place to be to meeting amazing Ukrainian companies and to invest in Ukrainian business growth.

Acknowledgment: Chris worked with https://www.linkedin.com/in/viktor-yakimovich-41541b21b/ the Chief Sales Officer of CQR/Cryeye to ensure that the questions were answered comprehensively by him from a Ukrainian perspective and from a CQR/Cryeye perspective. Chris promotes Ukraine Tech and Cyber companies.