I am almost shocked at how massively Russian software is STILL used in Ukraine. Moreover, not only in private business but also in defense industry enterprises, military units, and even in “Diia”.
Despite all the sanctions, restrictions, and registers of banned software.
Despite 12 years of war and the fifth year of daily mass killings of Ukrainians. Unbreakable.
Journalists conducted research on this phenomenon by analyzing open sources, including job advertisements.
And I was a bit stunned by the scale of the problem. The essence is that despite the sharply negative attitude in Ukrainian society toward everything Russian, in fact, nothing in Ukraine prohibits the use of Moscow spy programs like 1C. “They are so convenient, cheap, we are used to them, and all partners use them” (arguments almost the same as those of “Diia” users, by the way). Despite the obvious colossal risks to both personal cybersecurity and the country’s cybersecurity as a whole.
According to the “register of banned software” maintained by the State Special Communications Service, about 2,000 names of Russian-origin software are prohibited. But banned only in state institutions or where information owned by the state is processed. And also where the classification “Secret” is involved. For everyone else, no legal restrictions, only moral. Use it for health.
And even if a state enterprise uses 1C, there is no fine for this. Not even the slightest, Karl.
So why shouldn’t the state enterprise “Diia” use 1C, if it’s so convenient? They even posted a job advertisement: “Looking for a specialist with knowledge of 1C”. Takhuli (there is such a restaurant in Kyiv). “War? No, haven’t heard. We are booked.”
By the way: and remind me of the name of the oh-so-great-minister who created both the cyber concentration camp “Diia” and the corresponding state enterprise on Russian technologies?
By the way, regarding the fervent, albeit secret, love of the “doers” for everything Russian, I talked about back in 2025.
They even copied the name of their ministry from the “big brother.”
And if someone asks me here “so what’s wrong with using Russian software?”, I might answer rudely. Such people are too early to read my posts: first, they should study the basics of cyber hygiene. They can take my course “Personal Cyber Protection.”
The mere fact of such a question indicates absolute and incredible illiteracy in matters of information security. People who do not understand how software from a hostile country can harm should be legally banned from handling a smartphone, computer, or tablet. Explaining such primitive things is like a neurosurgeon explaining that hands should be washed with soap.
But as it turns out, such people not only work in the defense complex or serve in the defense forces, they SHAPE STATE INFORMATION POLICY, damn it. Meanwhile, they position themselves as the epitome of modernity and technological achievements. And they laugh at “archaic” Europe, where citizens’ safety is prioritized over “fast, convenient apps.” Yet they actively use Russian software even during a full-scale war against Russia. And Russian Telegram as well, sure.
How this can coexist in one mind, I cannot fathom. Some kind of split personality.
And then such people are appointed as defense ministers. And others like them hold up placards for their idols. A terrarium of like-minded people.
And worst of all, everyone seems indifferent to this mess, including the country’s leadership.
“Why do the Russians know so much about us?!” users of 1C and Telegram indignantly ask each other. The presence of Russian spyware in their gadgets does not even lead them to any logical connections.
As a former Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine once said (I forgot his name): “The role of cyber security is somewhat exaggerated.”
Therefore, no one has been and still isn’t addressing the country’s information and cyber security. They don’t want to, aren’t capable, and don’t even plan to. The European Union doesn’t require this from Ukraine (yet).
And here are the consequences of such an approach: a wild field, complete chaos, full freedom for Russian technical intelligence. And you can’t find anyone responsible: there are many “responsible” state structures, all drawing money from the state budget, but when any incident occurs, they all hide and bleat about “lack of authority.” Just what Russia needs.
They’ve ruled long enough.
