April 17, 2017
The Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) successfully completed the mission of the Referendum Coordination Center established to ensure no interruptions or issues occur during the public vote, while BTK President Dr. Ömer Fatih Sayan thanked the personnel and operators, saying, “I thank you on behalf of my country and my institution for your efforts.”
“WE ARE ON DUTY UNTIL THE LAST MOMENT”
The Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) kept watch at the Referandum Coordination Center, established to prevent any interruptions or issues during the public vote, until the referendum results were announced. Reminding BTK/USOM employees and all operators that they needed to stay at their posts until 100% of the ballot boxes were opened to ensure uninterrupted communication in case of attacks, Sayan said, “We continue our duty until the results reach 100%. Such cyber attacks can continue until the last moment. Thankfully, no issues arose in our crisis desks where we have worked together for the last three elections. We were at our posts in the same way on the night of July 15th. We are at our posts in the same way now. I thank all my colleagues for your efforts in ensuring the results are announced quickly and our people's communication is provided without interruption, and I congratulate you all.”
WORKED ON A 24/7 BASIS
During the referendum process, BTK switched to a 24/7 work order in case of potential disruptions and continued this order on referendum day under the leadership of BTK President Dr. Ömer Fatih Sayan, with BTK/USOM personnel, BTK employees, and operators. Teams formed by Türksat AŞ, Türk Telekom, Turkcell, and Vodafone maintained continuous contact with the center at BTK where USOM and expert personnel were located and continued their work. BTK President Dr. Ömer Fatih Sayan frequently made live connections with the teams and received step-by-step updates on the latest situation.
OPERATORS FULFILLED THEIR DUTIES
Operators, who performed backups and monitoring for continuity in communication and news services, also carried out access controls related to third parties and conducted emergency warning and alarm operations. Türksat AŞ also ensured the uninterrupted delivery of television broadcasts and services it provided.
INCREASE IN CYBER ATTACKS OBSERVED DURING THE REFERENDUM PROCESS
Additionally, during the referendum process, there was an increase in service disruption attacks compared to the same period last month. During this period, institutions such as YSK and AA, as well as some important state institutions, faced attacks up to 10 times larger.