TALLINN, Apr 11, BNS - Estonian Defense Minister Jaak Aaviksoo, speaking at the Finnish Paasikivi Society in Helsinki on Friday, emphasized the necessity to deal seriously with cyberspace-related security risks and noted Russia's return to Cold War rhetoric.
"The more dependent we are on information technology solutions and services in our everyday lives, the more vulnerable the society is to cyber attacks," Aaviksoo was quoted as saying by the Defense Ministry.
To cope with present-day security threats, international cooperation to work out cyberspace regulations is vital, the minister said. So is agreeing on a national action plan in cooperation of the public and the private sector and raising computer users' awareness.
Aaviksoo also noted Russia's return to Cold War rhetoric which as if pits Russia against the West.
"In view of Russia's strength in sciences and information technology, it remains to be hoped that Russia will use this potential responsibly," the minister said.
The Paasikivi Society was founded in 1958 to stimulate public debate and widespread interest in Finland's foreign policy both at home and abroad. The Finnish Institute of International Affairs and a foreign policy journal called Ulkopolitiikka were established on its initiative.
The society has 23 independent regional organizations with more than 3,000 members.
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