During the closing 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 landscape of cyber threats and information influence operations. Minister Sharkov stated that the foundation for counteraction lies in the RESIST model, which incorporates threat recognition, early warning, and situational assessment. While initially designed for the information sphere, this framework is now being applied across cybersecurity and hybrid operations.
He noted that modern risks extend beyond technical cyberattacks to include content manipulation and public opinion campaigns, which often target public consciousness as a primary infrastructure. Sharkov detailed that Bulgaria maintains a national cyber situational center coordinating 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, particularly concerning electoral processes and critical infrastructure.
A key challenge, according to the minister, remains translating analysis into immediate operational action, stressing the necessity of real-time reaction rather than post-event understanding. Sharkov expressed confidence in initiatives like DisInfoHack for developing skills in identifying disinformation and understanding complex hybrid scenarios, highlighting the critical role of youth participation in strengthening digital sovereignty. He called for enhanced cooperation among scientific bodies, experts, and state institutions, asserting that effective responses to modern information challenges depend on such coordination.
DisInfoHack is part of the broader Countering Disinformation Environment (Ecosystem) project, aiming to analyze Bulgaria’s information environment and develop best practices for robust information governance.
Topics: #assessment #governance #minister
