Kyivstar Allocates IDR 1.4 Trillion To Handle Russian Cyber Attacks

Ukraine's leading cellular operator Kyivstar (photo: x @BackAndAlive)

JAKARTA - Ukraine's leading mobile operator, Kyivstar, has allocated 90 million US dollars (Rp1.4 trillion) to deal with cyber attacks allegedly carried out by Russia against its services. They also said the attack had affected its growth.

The hack, referred to by its CEO as the largest cyberattack on telecommunications infrastructure in the world, took place in December, damaging infrastructure and disrupting cell phone signals for millions of Ukrainians.

"Before the cyberattack, we experienced an increase of 11%-12% from quarter to quarter in 2023. Cyberattacks decreased by about 3% from annual growth," Kyivstar CEO Oleksandr Komarov told the Interfax-Ukraine news agency.

Komarov did not provide additional details about the growth aspect in question. Kyivstar did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Komarov said that the mobile operator allocated 3.6 billion hryvnia ($90.76 million) to deal with the impact of the attack. The funds are used to repair damage and strengthen the system and fund loyalty programs for customers.

Kyivstar, which is owned by Amsterdam-listed mobile telecommunications operator Veon, has 24.3 million mobile subscribers and more than 1.1 million home internet subscribers.

At the time, Kyiv's cyber spy chief said he believed the attack was carried out by Sandworm, a Russian military intelligence cyber warfare unit. Solntsepyok, a group believed by Ukraine to be affiliated with Sandworm, claimed responsibility. Russia has not yet commented on the attack.