Summary
The National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine has barred the use of Telegram on official devices among military personnel, civil servants, and critical infrastructure workers due to national security concerns amid the ongoing war with Russia. The decision, made during a cybersecurity meeting, reflects worries over the platform’s use by adversaries for cyberattacks and intelligence gathering, although some exemptions may apply for official duties. Public sentiment shows a preference for monitored use rather than an outright ban.

The National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine has instituted a prohibition on the use of the Telegram messaging application by civil servants, military personnel, and employees in critical infrastructure roles on official devices. This decision arises from significant national security concerns, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict with Russia. During a meeting of the National Coordination Center for Cybersecurity (NCCC) on September 19, officials discussed security risks associated with Telegram, citing its exploitation by adversaries to conduct cyberattacks, distribute malware, gather geolocation data of users, and coordinate missile strikes. Consequently, officials agreed to prohibit the installation and use of Telegram on official devices, although exceptions may be made for individuals whose duties necessitate its use. The meeting highlighted the urgent need to address the vulnerabilities posed by external cyber threats, especially given the current wartime conditions. Notably, representatives from the Security Service of Ukraine and the General Staff of the Armed Forces expressed concerns about the platform’s role in enhancing enemy capabilities. Moving forward, the participants also discussed the critical importance of maintaining stable mobile and internet communication under martial law and proposed the creation of a center to facilitate the exchange and analysis of information regarding cyber threats. Furthermore, strategies to ensure uninterrupted electronic communications during power shortages were reviewed and approved. A public survey indicated that 54% of Ukrainians support measures to restrict and monitor Telegram’s use rather than a complete ban, with only 9% advocating for an outright prohibition.

The decision to restrict the use of the Telegram messaging service has been influenced by the severe security landscape in Ukraine, particularly due to the ongoing conflict with Russia. In recent months, cyber warfare has intensified, leading to the need for a robust cybersecurity framework. Telegram has been identified as a vulnerable point within this framework, previously utilized by hostile entities to launch attacks and gather intelligence. As national security remains a high priority, measures to safeguard communications among government officials and critical personnel have become necessary. This directive is framed within the broader context of cybersecurity collaborations and strategic responses to threats targeting Ukraine’s digital infrastructure during the ongoing conflict.

The National Security and Defense Council’s ban on Telegram underscores Ukraine’s commitment to safeguarding national security amidst a dire wartime context. While the directive aims to mitigate cyber threats, it acknowledges the necessity for certain exceptions in official duties. As the conflict evolves, ensuring the stable functionality of communications and implementing effective cyber threat responses remain paramount to protecting Ukraine’s national interests.

Original Source: unn.ua

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