USAID Cybersecurity Activity has been working since 2020 to strengthen Ukraine's cybersecurity protection. In partnership with the Aspen Institute Kyiv, it recently completed the Cybersecurity Dialogue Program, an initiative that addressed some of Ukraine’s most urgent challenges in the digital sphere.
A Platform for Progress
Beyond the dialogue program, USAID has spearheaded several impactful initiatives. These include the Cyber Diagnostics Program for Businesses, which helps organizations identify and address vulnerabilities, the Cybersecurity Products Catalog, a comprehensive resource for local and international stakeholders, and the Grant Program “Innovative Cybersecurity Solutions”, fostering groundbreaking advancements in the sector. USAID has also supported Ukrainian businesses at global tech events like the SelectUSA Investment Summit, showcasing the nation’s cybersecurity potential on an international stage.
The Cybersecurity Dialogue Program brought together over 450 participants, including government officials, tech entrepreneurs, academics, and civil society leaders. Through 15 dynamic events, the program became a hub for tackling real-world issues such as:
Faster Responses to Cyber Threats: Public and private stakeholders worked together to develop practical frameworks for managing cyber crises in real time.
Cybersecurity Workforce Development: Discussions led to actionable plans for addressing the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals in Ukraine.
Advancing Gender Diversity: With a focus on inclusion, the program promoted strategies to encourage more women to pursue careers in cybersecurity, culminating in actionable recommendations for academia, government, and business, presented at IT Arena 2024.
Expanding into Global Markets: Insights shared during the dialogues are already helping Ukrainian cybersecurity companies compete internationally, unlocking new growth opportunities.
Modernizing Legal Frameworks: Participants explored ways to align Ukraine’s cybersecurity laws with international standards, paving the way for a more secure digital environment.
Why This Matters
For Ukraine, cybersecurity isn’t just about technology — it’s about protecting critical infrastructure, ensuring economic stability, and building a safer future. Programs like this one show how international support, combined with local expertise, can drive meaningful change.
A key outcome of the Cybersecurity Dialogue Program was the creation of two specialized committees:
EBA Cybersecurity Subcommittee: The European Business Association (EBA) established a Cybersecurity Subcommittee to enhance cooperation between the private sector and government bodies like CERT-UA. The subcommittee is currently developing a draft law on public-private partnerships in cyber protection.
CyberTech Committee within IT Ukraine Association (ITU): The Committee brought together the IT sector stakeholders to coordinate and drive the local cybersecurity sector development. ITU is part of the Digital Europe network, which is vital to position Ukrainian cybersecurity companies globally and foster strategic international partnerships.
Key Takeaway
Ukraine has made remarkable strides in cybersecurity, driven by the urgent need to protect its critical infrastructure in the face of war. These extraordinary circumstances have acted as an incubator for innovation, with Ukraine rising to the challenge and transforming adversity into opportunity. Through USAID’s Cybersecurity Activity, groundbreaking solutions are not only fortifying Ukraine’s protection but are also being shared with Ukrainian businesses and the global community — demonstrating how resilience and ingenuity can benefit the world.
