CYBER RISKS IN THE MUNICIPAL ECONOMY DURING THE PANDEMIC: DAMAGES AND THE STRUGGLE FOR CYBER SECURITY

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Abstract

As a result of remote control and automation, the urban infrastructure becomes extremely vulnerable to intrusions, attacks, human errors, accidents that are growing. Due to the concentration of local and global computer networks, systems and software, the “cyber risk” of the municipal economy is multiplicative, which makes it systemic and international. Its essence is manifested both at the national and global levels through the impact on business, municipal and state authorities. Today, the existing pandemic contributes to an increase in the number of cyberattacks, which indicates an even greater cyber vulnerability of municipal administrations and public authorities. Coronavirus COVID-19 has become a tool for hacker attacks on users and enterprises. The purpose of the article is to determine, based on a systematic analysis of the new cyber risks of the municipal economy that arose during the pandemic, to formulate our own views on the classification and methods of counteracting municipal organizations and enterprises. According to experts, since the beginning of this year, thousands of domains associated with coronavirus have been registered in the world. This number also includes sites of various hacker groups that offer information about coronavirus, masks, or quick treatment methods. In fact, these phishing sites are used by hackers to extort money or steal confidential, as well as commercial information. The main types of attacks that increase the threat and actually create a "cyber infection" are noted. Based on the material of this article and the experience of the authors, measures are proposed that ensure the safety of municipal enterprises, which should be carried out in the first place. Strict measures in IT management during a crisis are also recognized as undeniable and necessary. Such as help from cyber experts and help for cyber experts; preservation of evidence of intrusion, staff training, accumulation of experience to accelerate progress in work. Remote work during a pandemic can make it difficult for IT staff to monitor cyber risks, since many of these risks go beyond the financial or technical capabilities of municipalities. Therefore, based on these proposals for the safety of municipal enterprises, an integrated approach to cyber risks is proposed, including an emergency response plan. Based on international experience, the possibility of insuring municipal enterprises and organizations against potential losses associated with cyber attacks by hackers, as well as to eliminate the consequences of these attacks, is also noted.