The Ministry of Defense is making progress in consolidating a digital governance model to strengthen the country's security.
Innovation plays a crucial role in the evolution of digital governance in the defense and security sector. The Innovation Force Hub has a strategic role.
Cyber threats are growing and demand more coordinated responses. Cyber attacks on strategic constructions such as military radars, communication systems and data networks of the Defense Sector have become increasing threats to national security. To respond to these vulnerabilities, the Ministry of Defense is designing the Innovation Force Hub in collaboration with academia, the private sector, the State and civil society, for the adoption of advanced technological solutions.
Since the issuance of Conpes 3701 in 2011 (budgetary document), Colombia has been implementing strategies to strengthen its cybersecurity and cyberdefense. Decree 1874 of 2021 and Decree 338 of 2022 have been fundamental in the structuring of policies and in the creation of organizations such as the Cyber Incident Response Office (CSIRT Defensa), which has improved sectoral coordination in the matter. However, challenges remain in the protection of key systems. “The digital governance model of this sector must be comprehensive, with well-defined responsibilities and both national and international cooperation mechanisms," explained the Deputy Minister of Veterans and the Social and Business Group of the Defense, (GSED).
Innovation and collaboration: keys to digital security
To strengthen digital governance, the Ministry of Defense has promoted the Science, Technology and Innovation Policy for the Security and Defense Sector, which seeks to strengthen cyberdefense resources through research, development and innovation initiatives. In this context, the Fuerza Innovación Hub is projected as a key space for the generation and adoption of advanced and dual-use technological solutions.
“The Hub will contribute to materializing the mission of strengthening the cybersecurity resources of the sector, promoting the use of innovative technologies as accelerators of digital security,” Cano highlighted.
This horizon, which coordinates the efforts of the Government and various sectors, will be the channel to strengthen technology and knowledge transfer processes for the scalability and commercialization of innovative solutions. ”The analysis of cyber threats and the identification of malicious actors are fundamental to designing more effective defense strategies,“ said the deputy minister, who in turn highlighted that "Colombia has the opportunity to become a regional benchmark in cybersecurity and cyberdefense, so, a solid digital governance model with a long-term vision is essential. The integration of resources and the strengthening of the cyber ecosystem are essential for the digital security of the defense sector and the protection of critical constructions."
A resilient digital governance model
The digital governance model for the Defense Sector should be a comprehensive framework that fosters collaboration among different institutions, promotes national technological resources and ensures compliance with digital security regulations. ”The implementation of clear policies and the definition of responsibilities will lead the sector to move towards a more secure and resilient digital environment," said Deputy Minister Cano.
The challenge lies not only in strengthening cybersecurity within the country, but in establishing cooperation mechanisms with international allies, as it is an essential element to face sophisticated cyber threats, such as the exfiltration of strategic information, the theft of intellectual property and the interruption of critical constructions.
Source: Press - Ministry of National Defense
