Young people aspiring to become programmers may have to don epaulettes. The Ministry of Defense, represented by Andris Sprudsa ("Progressives"), today brought to the government meeting the issue of bringing the Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science of the University of Latvia under the wing of the military.
Improve and Deepen!
In justifying its decision, the Ministry of Defense makes it clear:
"The use of information and communication technologies and the growing digitalization of society and public administration open up great opportunities and contribute to rapid development, but at the same time create significant vulnerabilities and risks of cyber incidents. The volume, frequency, and impact of cybersecurity incidents are increasing both in the European Union... and worldwide. Cyber incidents and threats affect individuals, service providers, and states, therefore, considering the rapidly changing threat landscape, it is necessary to strengthen the EU's cybersecurity system and enhance the level of solidarity."
The EU Cyber Solidarity Act implies that each member state will have a single institution that will interact, so to speak, on alert – as well as test other institutions and organizations for hacker attacks.
Good Shopping — When a Comrade Pays
The first practical step is a joint procurement with the European Cybersecurity Competence Centre (ECCC) totaling €11,910,300, of which 75% is covered by the ECCC. The funds will be spent over the course of a year and are expected to start as early as the beginning of 2026. "Further funding for the project depends on the results of discussions on the EU's multiannual budget for 2028–2034," notes the ministry of A. Sprudsa, "the European Commission has confirmed that funding for cross-border cyber centers is defined and is a priority."
Meanwhile, the number of registered cyber incidents in Latvia in the second quarter of this year increased by 28% compared to the same period last year, reaching 709. Every month, several million euros are stolen from residents of Latvia via the internet. From the beginning of this year until July 31, the amount of digital thefts amounted to at least €6.666 million, reports the Computer Incident Prevention Institute Cert.lv.
Of course, one can be outraged – asking where the authorities and science are looking, but if it weren't for computer minds, the figure would likely be even more impressive.
As of today, the Institute, headed by Director Inara Opmane, employs 202 people, including 47 PhDs. By the way, the building is historic: built in 1871 according to the design of the famous architect Janis Baumanis, it was reconstructed in 1938 by architect Indrikis Blankenburgs. For the Russian, Lomonosov, gymnasium!
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