Information Technologies and Communication Authority President Dr. Ömer Fatih Sayan attended the 2018 World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
The 2018 WSIS Forum, held in Geneva from March 19-23, 2018, in collaboration with United Nations (UN) agencies such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), was represented by Information Technologies and Communication Authority President Dr. Ömer Fatih Sayan.
SAFE INTERNET CENTER CONTINUES ITS WORK
BTK President Sayan participated as a speaker in the high-level session themed “Building Confidence and Security in the Use of ICTs” during the Forum. In the first part of his speech, Sayan provided information on efforts to raise awareness about the safe use of the internet as a regulatory body in the ICT field. He mentioned that the “Safe Internet Center” has been established where families can find recommendations on the safe use of the internet, and that the “Internet Support Line” and “Safe Web” sites have also been activated. Sayan also stated that the “Safe Internet Truck” has been put into service to provide a platform where children and young people can experience technology and raise awareness about safer internet use.
WE ARE CONDUCTING WORK IN 20 PILOT SCHOOLS
BTK President Dr. Sayan noted that, in addition to joint activities with the Ministries of Family and Social Policies, National Education, and Youth and Sports to instill confidence in users regarding ICT use in Turkey, collaborative efforts are being carried out with civil society organizations and private sector stakeholders. In this regard, through the “Don’t Be a Cyber Bully” campaign conducted with Samsung Turkey, awareness is being raised among young people, families, and teachers about the malicious use of ICTs and the protection of personal rights in 20 pilot schools.
CYBER SECURITY IS PART OF NATIONAL SECURITY
In the session, Sayan shared Turkey’s views on enhancing security in ICT use, emphasizing that security has now become a necessity in both the physical and cyber worlds. He stated that individuals, companies, critical infrastructures, and states are under cyber threats, and therefore Turkey regards cyber security as “a part of national security.” Dr. Sayan highlighted the importance of preventive measures in the cyber field and noted that efforts are focused on both increasing Turkey’s technological capacity for detection and response before cyber incidents occur and minimizing potential negative impacts.
USOM IS THE CENTER FOR CYBER SECURITY
Sayan stated that technology, human resources, and well-defined processes are the three fundamental components for ensuring cyber security, and according to research reports, there will be a need for 6 million cyber security professionals worldwide by 2019. In this context, he added that postgraduate programs in cyber security have been launched at more than 20 universities in Turkey, and the National Cyber Incident Response Center (USOM) has been established under the BTK to provide national-level coordination in combating cyber attacks.
BTK President held bilateral meetings with officials from various countries at the WSIS Forum and engaged in outreach efforts to garner support for Turkey’s candidacy to the ITU Council during the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-18).
In the WSIS Awards competition held annually during the Forum, this year’s champion projects included the 'cimer.gov.tr' portal prepared by the Prime Ministry Communication Center, the Prisoner Transfer System and UYAP (National Judicial Network Project) Joint Portal prepared by the Ministry of Justice, and Türk Telekom’s Project Sunshine.
Additionally, Minister of Transport, Maritime Affairs and Communication Ahmet Arslan also attended the WSIS Forum 2018 and represented Turkey at the Ministers’ Roundtable meeting held on March 21, 2018.