#Good Cybersecurity Facilitated Ukraine’s Strategic Offensive in 2025

Effective cybersecurity has played a pivotal role in the recent Ukrainian drone assault on Russian strategic bombers, according to insights from a leading government security expert. Paul Chichester, the Director of Operations at the National Cyber Security Centre, emphasized this point during his address at a prominent cybersecurity event in London.

Chichester highlighted that the success of the operation, which involved keeping Russian intelligence unaware of the Ukrainian plans, was greatly attributed to the robust cybersecurity measures implemented by Ukrainian cyber operatives. He referenced the implications of good cybersecurity, noting that it can ensure strategic advantages in military operations.

The operation, referred to as Operation Spider Web, was reportedly in preparation for 18 months, utilizing over 100 drones discreetly transported via trucks. These drones effectively targeted airbases across Russia, some located up to 8000 kilometers from Ukrainian borders, resulting in the destruction of a significant portion of Russia’s ballistic missile capabilities.

Chichester pointed out a critical observation regarding the categorization of threats, noting, “The substantial effort from Russia to infiltrate and disrupt Ukrainian operations further illustrates the necessity of effective cybersecurity.” He remarked on the significant support provided to Ukraine by allied countries, aiding their defense strategies against significant threats.

He also acknowledged increasing concerns regarding Russia and China, emphasizing their escalating capabilities beyond mere cyber-espionage to incorporate sophisticated cyber strategies into military operations. Chichester drew attention to advanced Chinese cyber groups such as Volt Typhoon and Salt Typhoon that have been implicated in pre-positioning themselves within critical US infrastructure, indicating a broader geopolitical landscape of risks.

In closing, Chichester offered vital takeaways for Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) in corporate environments:

– Recognize that cyber capabilities are increasingly utilized as instruments of covert statecraft.
– Understand that actions by states are often strategic, and being targeted can have significant implications.
– Be aware that access to advanced cyber capabilities is expanding beyond traditionally recognized adversaries.
– Consider how international relations and geopolitical dynamics inform cybersecurity strategies.

Chichester concluded by defining cyber threats in a broader context: “At the end of the day, cybersecurity transcends technical boundaries; it is a tool employed by various actors, whether criminal or state in nature. Organizations must contemplate how such risks manifest within their operational environments.”