May 20, 2025 – In recent years, the Republic of Moldova has experienced a record number of cyberattacks, targeting not only government infrastructure but also an increasing number of private companies. The most common threats include phishing attempts, ransomware, DDoS attacks, and the exploitation of outdated or insecure IT systems.

These findings were presented today at the practical workshop “Cybersecurity of SMEs – Challenges and Solutions”, organized under the platform of the Consultative Council for the Digitalization of the Economy – iConsiliu. Cybercriminals often infiltrate a company’s internal network through seemingly harmless emails, infecting employee computers with viruses that encrypt essential files and databases.

Within hours, a company’s operations can be completely paralyzed. In exchange for unlocking the data, attackers demand significant ransoms – often thousands of euros – making small business owners easy targets and susceptible to manipulation. Such incidents discourage digital adoption, limiting access to new markets and negatively impacting national economic development.

At the event, Anatolie Golovco, Cybersecurity Advisor to the Prime Minister, warned that cyberattacks on SMEs could have serious consequences for Moldova, where over 97% of companies fall into this category. A wave of such attacks can trigger a domino effect across the economy – job losses, service disruptions, and decreased productivity. He emphasized the government’s ongoing efforts to support the safe digital transition of SMEs and to strengthen national cyber resilience. Romania’s experience serves as a valuable reference in this area.

Present at the event, Cătălin Aramă, First Vice-President of Digital Flower and former Director of CERT-RO, expressed his willingness to share the expertise gained in SME cybersecurity. He enthusiastically proposed the creation of a “Digital Bridge” – inspired by the symbolic “Bridge of Flowers” – to connect the two countries through collaboration and joint initiatives in cybersecurity. Actively involved in major EU-funded projects, Aramă supports the secure digital transition of entrepreneurship in Moldova’s neighboring regions.

During the discussion, Michelle Iliev, State Secretary at the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization, highlighted the growing awareness of cyber risks in Moldova and the concrete steps taken by the authorities to strengthen digital security, including the Cybersecurity Law passed in 2023, the establishment of the Cybersecurity Agency, and the creation of the “Cybercor” Institute.

In turn, Mihai Lupașcu, Director of the Cybersecurity Agency, noted the progress made in strengthening cyber resilience and emphasized the importance of developing strong strategic partnerships in this field. He also expressed concern about the slow pace at which entrepreneurs are adopting secure digital solutions, stressing the need to accelerate this process to boost business growth and competitiveness.

Based on these discussions – which brought together representatives from the government, business sector, and donor community – the Economic Council to the Prime Minister will compile a summary of proposals and draft a set of concrete actions aimed at supporting the development of Moldova’s business environment. These measures will be included in the upcoming Roadmap for the Digitalization of the Economy.

The Secretariat of the Economic Council to the Prime Minister is supported by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, funded by the UK Government’s Good Governance Fund.