Cyber‐Attacks in Ukraine: Coping With the Challenges at the Local Level in 2022–2024

ABSTRACT Cyber‐attacks have become a significant threat in Ukraine during 2022–2024, creating essential challenges at the local level. Since the beginning of the Russian full‐scale invasion, Ukraine has been one of the countries most exposed to this threat. While research focusing on cybersecurity at the local level has intensified over the last years, it has not paid attention to countries facing severe conflicts and full‐scale war. This paper addresses this gap and examines how Ukrainian officials at the vulnerable local level cope with cyber‐attack challenges during full‐scale war. It is based on data from qualitative, semi‐structured interviews with representatives of local authorities of newly organized communities— hromadas —in Ukraine. The study identifies eight key challenges at the local level alongside eight potential solutions located at both the national and local levels to mitigate potential threats. The study contributes to the development of the young research field of cybersecurity at the local level. In view of the spread of cyber‐attacks on local authorities, the findings are relevant beyond the case of Ukraine.