Ukraine Restores State Registries After Major Russian Cyberattack

Kyiv, Ukraine – The Ukrainian government has successfully restored its state registry infrastructure following the largest cyberattack launched by Russia to date, according to Olga Stefanishyna, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration.

In a statement posted on Facebook, Stefanishyna announced that all key state registries, including those for notaries, the Unified State Register, and DRACS, are fully operational again. She reassured citizens that no data was lost during the attack.

Key Updates from the Restoration Effort

1. Complete Restoration of Registries

Stefanishyna highlighted the phased recovery process, starting with the key registries for notaries and concluding with the final database restorations. Specialists are now focused on updating data that was entered during the recovery phase, ensuring accuracy and continuity.

2. Accountability Measures

The government has launched a series of investigations and audits in response to the attack:

• Cooperation with the head of the State Enterprise “National Information Systems” has been terminated.
• Criminal proceedings were initiated immediately after the cyberattack.
• An internal investigation and an initial audit of the National Information Systems have been completed.

3. Enhanced Cybersecurity

Stefanishyna emphasized that systemic changes are already underway to prevent future incidents. Key initiatives include:

• Draft law No. 11290, which establishes a professional cybersecurity network within state institutions. This initiative is part of a broader plan dubbed the “Pentagon for State Registers.”
• Strengthening protection mechanisms across state systems that manage critical data.

4. International Collaboration

Acknowledging the borderless nature of cyber threats, Ukraine has engaged with international partners to leverage their expertise and experience.

Recognition for Recovery Efforts

Stefanishyna expressed gratitude to the National Intelligence Service, the Security Service of Ukraine, the State Service for Special Communications, and the National Police for their roles in restoring the systems and reinforcing cybersecurity defenses.

This cyberattack serves as a critical reminder of the challenges Ukraine faces in maintaining digital resilience amidst ongoing conflict. The lessons learned are now shaping future strategies to safeguard the country’s digital infrastructure.