The Ukrainian delegation took part in the Tel Aviv Cybertech Conference “Cyberwar: Countries under attack”

The Cybertech conference in Tel Aviv brought together cybersecurity experts from all over the world. Among the participants were representatives from governments, technology companies, and specialists in critical infrastructure protection.

This was reported by Israel Defense on March 26, 2025.

Among the key participants of the panel discussion “Cyber Warfare: Nations Under Attack” were:

• Tet-Al-Amir Afrati, former head of the civil department at the National Cyber Security Center of Israel.
• Gabriel Joni Verou, Ph.D., University of Montreal, Canada.
• Captain (retired) Steve Waterhouse, former Deputy Minister of Information Security and Cybersecurity in the Quebec government, Canada.
• Viktor Zhora, former Deputy Head of the State Special Communications and Information Protection Service of Ukraine.
• Rami Afrati, founder and CEO of RD eye (Israel).
• Tom Alexandrovich, Information Security Manager at the Israeli National Cyber Security Center.

These experts, along with other participants, exchanged experiences and discussed modern challenges and threats in the field of cybersecurity.

Against the backdrop of increasing cyber threats and the growing importance of protecting information and energy systems, cybersecurity issues are becoming more and more relevant for world powers. The Ukrainian delegation participated in the largest international Cybertech conference, held in Tel Aviv in March 2025. It discussed the threats arising from cyberattacks on critical infrastructure and ways to protect against them.

Cyberwar: Threats to Countries

At the panel discussion “Cyber Warfare: Nations Under Attack,” representatives from different countries, including Ukraine, emphasized the importance of preparing for possible cyberattacks on key infrastructure objects. One of the main topics of discussion was the threats arising from attacks on energy infrastructure, water supply, and other vital systems on which the functioning of cities and countries depends. These attacks can disrupt the lives of millions of people, disable medical and emergency services, and significantly weaken the economy.

Ukraine’s Participation in Cyber Threat Discussions

The Ukrainian delegation actively participated in discussions about threats and protection against cyberattacks, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in the field of cybersecurity. Ukrainian representatives talked about the measures already taken to protect the country’s key infrastructure and also discussed ways to strengthen cooperation with other countries and private companies to create a more effective security system.

Ukraine, as one of the countries regularly subjected to cyberattacks, aims not only to strengthen its internal security but also to become one of the leaders in the field of protection against cyber threats on the international stage. Participation in forums like Cybertech allows Ukrainian specialists to exchange experiences with global leaders in cybersecurity and implement new technologies to protect public and private resources.

The Importance of Cooperation with Israel

Israel, as a leader in the field of cybersecurity, actively shares its experience with other countries, including Ukraine. Ukraine is interested in cooperation with Israel, particularly in the development of technologies for the protection of critical infrastructure. Israeli experts, in turn, offer advanced solutions for protection against cyberattacks, based on the experience accumulated over the past decades.

Conclusion

The Cybertech conference in Tel Aviv demonstrated how crucial it is to protect against cyberattacks and how close international cooperation in this field helps strengthen the security of nations. Ukraine, actively participating in such forums, strengthens its position in the global cybersecurity system and works to protect itself from growing threats in cyberspace.

Viktor Zhora: Professional Activity and Arrest

Viktor Zhora is a well-known Ukrainian cybersecurity expert. Since 2019, he served as the Deputy Head of the State Special Communications and Information Protection Service of Ukraine (SSCS). In this role, he was responsible for the strategic leadership of the country’s cybersecurity, including the protection of key infrastructures and election security.

Creation of Ukraine’s IT Army

Zhora also played a crucial role in the creation of the IT Army of Ukraine, which is actively involved in combating cyberattacks against Ukraine, including those from Russia. This initiative helps protect Ukrainian information resources and deliver counterstrikes against enemy targets.

Corruption Charges and Resignation

Despite his significant role in the field of cybersecurity, Viktor Zhora found himself at the center of a corruption scandal. In late 2023, charges were brought against him and several other senior officials of the SSCS for illegally embezzling over 62 million hryvnias, which had been allocated for purchasing equipment and software. These purchases were made through secret schemes without open tenders, which led to corruption charges.

Zhora was arrested but later released on bail of 10 million hryvnias, with the condition that he adhere to several requirements, including surrendering his foreign passports and wearing an electronic bracelet.

Conclusion

Viktor Zhora’s work in the field of cybersecurity left a significant mark, but his career was overshadowed by corruption charges. Despite this, Ukraine continues to actively improve its cybersecurity, and participation in forums such as Cybertech helps strengthen cooperation with global leaders in cybersecurity.

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