During the concluding event of DisInfoHack 2026 at Sofia University’s GATE Institute, caretaker Electronic Governance Minister Georgi Sharkov emphasized that timely response and accurate situational assessment are paramount in the current environment of cyber threats and information influence operations. The Minister stated that the RESIST model—incorporating threat recognition, early warning, and situational assessment—forms the basis for countermeasures. While initially designed for the information sphere, this approach is now being applied broadly to cybersecurity and hybrid operations.
Sharkov cautioned that modern risks extend beyond technical cyberattacks to encompass information operations, content manipulation, and campaigns designed to influence public opinion, often targeting the public consciousness. He noted that Bulgaria maintains a national cyber situational centre, which coordinates efforts among key institutions, including the Ministry of Electronic Governance, the Interior Ministry, the State Agency for National Security, and the Defence Ministry. These bodies are actively working to counter external disinformation campaigns affecting electoral processes and critical infrastructure.
A significant challenge identified was the transition from retrospective analysis to real-time operational action. The Minister stressed that understanding an event months later is insufficient; immediate reaction capability is necessary. He expressed confidence that initiatives like DisInfoHack build vital skills for early detection of disinformation and understanding complex hybrid scenarios.
Ultimately, effective defense requires coordination across sectors. The Minister called for closer collaboration among institutions, the scientific community, and experts. This effort is framed within the CoDE project, which aims to study and improve Bulgaria’s information resilience.
The participation of youth is viewed as crucial for strengthening digital sovereignty, underscoring that robust national governance in the digital age depends on this multidisciplinary cooperation.
Topics: #assessment #governance #minister
Preparedness and accurate assessment seem to be the most critical elements when dealing with modern information threats.