The 8th Hacktrick Cybersecurity Conference, hosted by the Information Technologies and Communication Authority, was held this year. The conference was attended by Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Dr. Ömer Fatih Sayan, Chairman of the Information Technologies and Communication Authority Ömer Abdullah Karagözoğlu, industry representatives, and numerous students.
Speaking at the opening of the conference, Deputy Minister Sayan stated that every system transferred to the digital environment brings serious security risks along with it if necessary measures are not taken.
Noting that the concept of cybersecurity has become the fifth field of operation after land, sea, air, and space, Sayan said, “Cybersecurity is such a topic that you must be in close contact with other countries to stay informed about developments, but when it comes to protecting against attacks, you also need to know that you are completely on your own. In fact, most of the time, you have to be alone. Because cybersecurity is based on the zero trust principle. Trusting someone you cannot be sure of would be a grave mistake. Security must definitely be in a single hand. That is, in your own hands. Remember that where there is chaos and confusion, we cannot speak of security. Just as we cannot speak of being strong against attacks without a domestic and national cyber struggle.”
Sayan said, “Like many countries, our country is tested by cyber attacks every day. Research shows that in the past year, 32 out of every 1,000 people in our country were subjected to cyber attacks. When cyber attack data is examined, it is seen that 70% of cyber attackers are from outside, while the remaining 30% are from inside. In other words, on average, one out of every three cyber attacks is carried out by people connected to the attacked entity. Given this situation, the concept of cybersecurity is becoming an indispensable and most important component of national security for countries.”
Deputy Minister Sayan: The Human Factor Constitutes the Weakest Link in Cybersecurity
Emphasizing that governments must take the highest level of security measures against cyber attacks, Sayan said, “Having competent cybersecurity experts and institutional experience comes first in this matter. Building national capacity in the field of cybersecurity is an area we address at the ministerial level within a certain strategy and policy. The main purpose of the trainings we organize, national and international exercises, competitions, and conferences is to share knowledge and experience, increase competencies, and strengthen our national cyber power. I am fully confident that this event will contribute to our goals with the participation of you young people, who are the architects of our future, and will add soldiers to our cyber army.”
Stating that data has vital importance today, Sayan said, “Data is now called the oil of the new age. Such a valuable treasure undoubtedly becomes the target of cyber attackers. Every image published on the internet also brings a data vulnerability with it. Unfortunately, artificial intelligence is also used to carry out data breaches by analyzing large data sets and identifying weaknesses. In this direction, we at the Ministry are acting with the motto that Turkey's data should stay in Turkey, and we are continuing our work accordingly. Developing domestic and national applications is always our top priority.”
Sayan concluded his speech by saying, “Let us not forget that cybersecurity is a total responsibility. Being together while doing our work and not forgetting that its consequences affect everyone will be our greatest gain. By supporting each other, sharing our knowledge and experiences, constructing a more secure digital world hand in hand is within our discretion.”
Chairman Karagözoğlu: Cybersecurity Has Become a National Security Issue for Countries
Ömer Abdullah Karagözoğlu, Chairman of the Information Technologies and Communication Authority, who spoke at the conference, made a speech drawing attention to the importance of cybersecurity. Karagözoğlu said, “Cybersecurity has become a national security issue for countries, and cyber security threats are increasing at every level. Therefore, establishing effective defense systems in the cyber field and making emergency preparedness strongly has become an urgent need for the security and independence of countries.”
Stating that Turkey has made a name for itself in the world with its cybersecurity efforts, Karagözoğlu said, “Our country is among the countries that carry out pioneering work in the field of cybersecurity and take important steps in the world, especially in technical, legal, and organizational aspects.”
Emphasizing that cyber security activities are conducted entirely with domestically and nationally developed software, Karagözoğlu stated, “In response to the diversification of cyber attack techniques and the increasing threats, we ensure the detection and prevention of threats with the least cost, in the shortest time, and with a proactive approach through domestic and national projects such as KASIRGA, AVCI, AZAD, ATMACA, and KULE, which can be expressed in millions of dollars.”
Touching on the fact that cybersecurity cannot be ensured only with local measures and requires coordination within a global integrity, Chairman Karagözoğlu said, “For this reason, USOM, which participates not only in national but also international events, shares knowledge and experience in the cyber field with many international organizations such as NATO and FIRST. In addition to regular exercises conducted with NATO, technical support is provided by our Institution to many exercises organized by the European Commission. We are strongly maintaining our presence in the global arena on cybersecurity.”
Karagözoğlu concluded his speech by saying, “Through cyber exercises, various competitions and events, as well as trainings conducted under BTK Academy, we aim to develop our youth in the field of cybersecurity, increase their competencies, and unleash their potential. In all kinds of work that make people's lives easier and contribute to their welfare in the field of information and communication, we participate every day with even stronger motivation together with all our stakeholders.”