Legal basis for the protection of civil servants in the digital space as a component of national security

Purpose. To determine the state and quality of the legal support (LS) for the protection of civil servants in the digital space (CSDS). To indicate the main directions of improving legislation in the field of strengthening the security of CSDS. Methodology. Using the formal-legal method, the introduction of the categories “cyberconflict” and “foreign information manipulation and interference” into the legal framework is proposed and the distinction between legal categories is substantiated: digital, cyber and information space. The formal-logical method revealed that the priority levels of threats change significantly, particularly in the context of hybrid warfare. Changes in the data protection priorities under martial law in these areas have halted the alignment of national legislation with EU law. This approach has shown that the systemic and dynamic nature of threats in cyberspace necessitates systemic and dynamic changes to the legal framework, particularly with regard to data protection. The system-structural method allowed indicating the need to form a single administrative-legal mechanism (SALM) that combines legally unrelated structures aimed at protection of CSDS. Findings. The gaps in the LS on the protection of CSDS are indicated. It is noted that the existing categorical apparatus does not correspond to the level of threats. The need to distinguish and structure the main legal categories is substantiated: digital, cyber and information space. Their defining characteristics are outlined. The urgency of the need for LS of the coordinated response of specialized state structures to the threat is indicated. The need for the formation of SALM combining legally unrelated structures is indicated. It is indicated that the systemic-dynamic nature of digital threats in the conditions of hybrid warfare determines the need for the systemic-dynamic nature of legislation on the protection of CSDS. Originality. Legal approaches to improving the national regulatory and legal field for protecting civil servants from threats in the digital space are substantiated. It is noted that hybrid warfare has revealed the significance of new threats to civil servants in the digital space. It is indicated that these threats can be a multiplier of threats to national security. New legal categories and additions to legal norms are proposed. Practical value. The proposed changes to the legislation, the introduction of new legal categories and areas for improving legal support will increase the quality of the legal field and strengthen the protection of civil servants in the digital space. as a component of national security.