Maia Sandu convenes National Security Council to assess cyberattack

The Republic of Moldova is facing a large-scale cyberattack, according to the Presidency, and President Maia Sandu has convened the National Security Council to assess the attack and response measures. The institution believes the attack was most likely facilitated by artificial intelligence, but has not announced an exact date for the meeting.

In brief

• The National Security Council is to assess the cyberattack against the Republic of Moldova and the response measures.

• The Presidency describes artificial intelligence’s role in facilitating the attack as probable, not as a confirmed finding.

• The Republic of Moldova is among the first signatories of an international appeal for the control of the most advanced artificial intelligence models.

What will the National Security Council examine?

The National Security Council has been convened to assess the cyberattack and the response measures. The Presidency says the meeting will take place in the days following the announcement, but has not given a calendar date.

The Presidency describes the attack as large-scale and says artificial intelligence most likely helped facilitate it. The announcement does not identify the institutions or services affected, or describe the consequences for the population.

What did Maia Sandu call for in international discussions?

President Maia Sandu addressed the risks of attacks facilitated by artificial intelligence at a virtual meeting devoted to controlling the most advanced artificial intelligence models. According to the Presidency, Sandu stressed the need for cooperation between states to gain access to cyberdefence tools and expertise.

The discussions focused on areas where international cooperation to oversee these systems is considered urgent. Participants also discussed a common framework of safety principles acceptable to states and applicable to companies developing the models.

What does the international appeal signed by Moldova call for?

The Republic of Moldova is among the first signatories of the Appeal for the Control of Frontier Artificial Intelligence Models, according to the Presidency. The term refers to the most advanced artificial intelligence systems in existence, and the appeal brings together more than 30 states and the European Commission.

The appeal calls for these systems to remain under human leadership, supervision and control. The document calls for models to be tested before release, independent assessments, and common safety standards agreed between states.