INTERNATIONAL CYBER SECURITY AND TURKEY

 

Globalization and extraordinary developments in technology have created a brand new and equally crucial security problem in international relations. Today, the most challenging security problem for nation-states and the system is undoubtedly cyberspace and cyber security problems.

         Cyber space is defined as the area that includes computer networks and all kinds of data sources that can be accessed through these networks. On the other hand, cyber security is defined as all kinds of measures and systems created to protect the information systems existing in the cyber environment from attacks and threats, to ensure the confidentiality of the information to be protected in this environment, to identify the sources of these threats and attacks, and to develop interventions and actions against these interventions.

         Cyber space, which we are connected to in every aspect of life, also appears as a threat with this feature. Such that these threats don’t come from only one source and person, the enemy is often unknown. The subjects posing a danger in cyberspace range from states to individuals and terrorist organizations. Because of this and the anarchy nature of cyberspace, cybersecurity has become the most important component of security both in the national and international arena today. Especially considering the extent of the dangers associated with nuclear facilities, it can be easily concluded that cyber security is one of the most vital security areas.

 

States that previously approached the issue of cybersecurity in a low-policy capacity began to take this issue more seriously after the attacks of Estonia, Georgia and NATO.  The realization of how much damage these attacks can cause to society prompted states to take steps in this regard. In many countries, cyber security laws have been established and investments have been made to obtain expert staff in this field.

         More than %80 of states today have National Security Strategy documents. Turkey is one of these states.

        Turkey for the first time in 2013, has identified cyber security strategy and established various institutions in this context, the principles identified, action plans were implemented. 8 strategic goals have been determined in the last published 2020-2023 national cyber security strategy and action plan.

 

·         Protecting critical infrastructures and increasing strength

(finance, communication, water management, energy and transportation sectors)

·         Development of national capacity

·         Organic cyber safety net

·         Security of new generation technologies

·         Fighting cybercrime

·         Development and support of domestic and national technologies

·         Integration of cyber security into national security

·         Development of international cooperation

 

With these determined purposes, minimizing cyber threats, risks and their effects emerges as the main goal.

However, it is not possible to create a cyber security area only by taking national measures. Cyberspace is an area dominated by the private sector and transnational companies. For this reason, it requires the cooperation of all stakeholders in the formation of a safety net and culture.  Taking global measures and developing space law can only be possible with this cooperation.

 

   

Beste Uçar

Bölgesel Analiz Topluluğu

                                                                                                         

Sources

-http://cyberpolitikjournal.org/index.php/main/article/view/73/71

-Türkiye 2020-2023 Ulusal Siber Güvenlik Strateji Belgesi

-Foreign Policy Institute webinar