Russian govt to allocate over 3.3 bln rubles to set up sectoral information security center

MOSCOW. Aug 10 (Interfax) - The Russian government will allocate over 3.3 billion rubles to establish a sectoral information security center, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said.

"These funds will make it possible to create the infrastructure and laboratories required for research and development work in this sphere. In the future, they will help fast-track the introduction of new, reliable advanced domestic technologies, among others those with integrated information security mechanisms, which are required by the state and businesses for developing electronic services and platforms, as well as telecommunications networks, and e-signature tools," Mishustin said at a government meeting on Thursday.

It is especially important amid external pressure to promote the advancement of domestic designs in a wide range of industries, including those that ensure the safety of data significant for individuals and businesses and the uninterrupted operation of the country's critical infrastructure, he said.

"We should develop our own solutions that increase the security of digital systems, user data and the accounts of individuals," Mishustin said.

As previously reported, the sectoral information security center is being set up within the National Technological Center of Digital Cryptography, an autonomous nonprofit organization. Funds for establishing the center are allocated as a subsidy from the reserve fund.

The establishment of the National Technological Center of Digital Cryptography was envisaged as part of the Digital Economy national program. The center was first expected to be launched in 2024. It was decided to speed it up and set up the center in 2023, in view of the geopolitical situation, Deputy Minister of Digital Development Alexander Shoitov said in November 2022.

The center will ensure public-private interaction and the development of cryptography technologies, he said. Many companies, including Security Code, InfoTeCS and CryptoPro, have expressed interest in joining the center, Shoitov said.