Information Technologies and Communications Authority President Ömer Abdullah Karagözoğlu attended the “Cyber Security Awareness Training” event hosted by the Information Technologies and Communications Authority. Karagözoğlu made important statements on the topic of cyber security.
Speaking at the event, which was also attended by prominent figures from the public and private sectors as well as participants from universities, Karagözoğlu provided important information regarding national and international cyber security efforts.
Noting that there are serious dangers regarding cyber security in today's world, Karagözoğlu stated, “In December 2020, it was discovered that computer hackers had taken over the software update system of SolarWinds, a U.S.-based IT management software company, and gained access to the data of a series of state and private sector organizations. For this reason, if necessary measures are not taken, being exposed to this and similar attacks is inevitable.”
Emphasizing the importance of staying up-to-date on security vulnerabilities to be prepared against cyber attacks, Karagözoğlu mentioned the activities of USOM, established under the roof of the Information Technologies and Communications Authority. President Karagözoğlu said, “The National Cyber Incident Response Center (USOM), operating under our institution, provides alarms, warnings, and announcements nationwide regarding cyber threats to ensure national cyber security, thereby developing measures to reduce or eliminate the impacts of potential incidents.”
Stating that significant work has been carried out by BTK in cyber security training, Karagözoğlu said, “The FETIH Cyber Training Ground project, aimed at identifying and training the cyber security experts needed by our country, and the practical cyber security training laboratory infrastructure have been completed under USOM, and cyber training and camp events are being organized.” Karagözoğlu announced that the number of users benefiting from online cyber security trainings has exceeded 360,000.
Stating that cyber security drills increase national-level cyber incident response capabilities, Karagözoğlu said, “Since 2011, we have conducted 7 national and 2 international cyber security drills under the coordination of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure.” Expressing that many institutions, organizations, and numerous guests participated in the drills, Karagözoğlu concluded his speech by saying, “Our trainings, drills, and events will continue without interruption to ensure we remain always ready and strong for national cyber security.”