During the final 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 critical in the current landscape of cyber threats and information influence operations. He stated that the foundation for counteraction is the RESIST model, which incorporates threat recognition, early warning, and situational assessment. While initially designed for the information environment, this methodology is now being broadly applied to cybersecurity and hybrid operations.
Minister Sharkov stressed that modern risks extend beyond technical cyberattacks to encompass information operations, content manipulation, and campaigns designed to sway public opinion. He noted that a primary objective of such actions is often to affect the public consciousness—the most vulnerable “infrastructure.” He detailed that Bulgaria maintains a national cyber situational center coordinating various bodies, including the Ministry of Electronic Governance, the Interior Ministry, the State Agency for National Security, and the Defence Ministry. These institutions are actively working to counter external disinformation campaigns, particularly concerning electoral processes and critical infrastructure.
A significant challenge, according to the Minister, remains translating analysis into immediate operational action. “It is not enough to understand how something happened months later; we must be able to react in real time,” he stated. He expressed confidence that initiatives like DisInfoHack enhance skills in early disinformation detection and understanding complex hybrid scenarios.
The Minister highlighted that effective responses require close cooperation among institutions, academia, and experts. This coordination is central to strengthening national digital sovereignty. DisInfoHack is part of the Countering Disinformation Environment (Ecosystem) project, which aims to develop information resilience through scientific study and the identification of best practices for effective counteraction and improved national governance.
Topics: #assessment #governance #minister
The emphasis on timely response and accurate assessment seems crucial given the evolving nature of cyber threats.