Why Democracy Is a Critical Asset Against Cyberthreats

We have come a long way from isolated computers, UNIX systems and a few other devices to the current digital systems that shape our thoughts and minds. However, this progress has also introduced new dimensions to the threat landscape, which has evolved significantly in the past decade.

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Yigal Unna, former director general of the National Cyber Directorate of Israel, who has spent nearly three decades with the Israel National Cyber Directorate, INCD, and Unit 8200, a unit of the Israel Defense Forces, emphasized the importance of protecting democracy, which is the most critical infrastructure of any nation but is often overlooked.

“Democracy is about people’s trust and public opinion. Cyber weapons, such as misinformation and fake news, are potent tools that can undermine democracy and bring down governments. Therefore, appropriate measures must be taken to safeguard this critical asset,” Unna said.

In this video interview with Information Security Media Group, Unna discusses:

• Importance of cooperation and coordination among nations to fight cybercrime syndicates;
• Establishment of closed and trusted local groups of CISOs for information sharing;
• Prioritizing workforce and appropriate compensation to cyber professionals.

Prior to serving as the DG of INCD, Unna served as founding chief executive director of the technology cyber unit in the National Cyber Bureau, the predecessor agency of INCD.