Is Creating Our Own Technology Tools the Key to Cyber ​​Defense?

Uğur Tekin, Information Risk Management Manager at ING Türkiye, spoke about how creating our own technology tools is the key to cyber defense. Tekin stated the following:

2026 will, of course, continue to be a year marked by uncertainty. However, due to our country’s geographical location, we are surrounded by various developments. We stand at the center of certain conflicts—a situation partly driven by our geography—and these recent conflicts have had repercussions not only in the socioeconomic sphere but also in the realm of cybersecurity. What does this mean? Turkey has increasingly become a focal point in the “cyber wars” emerging between nations. This has served as a significant multiplier, boosting our cyber resilience in key areas. How have we responded? We have begun to interpret these situations better and more rapidly. The solid cybersecurity maturity level we have established places us in a strong position. Yet, in this ecosystem—where we see unknown and unseen threats gathering in the background—what must we focus on? One of our most vulnerable points lies in the very act of acknowledging this reality. We must accept this fact and, given our geographical location, create our own tools to address it. Ultimately, this brings the issue of retaining skilled talent to the forefront; we must continuously improve ourselves, share our advancements, and maintain a steadfast stance.

Türkiye’s Cybersecurity Strategies for 2026

The year 2026 stands out as a time of both uncertainty and opportunity for Turkey. Our geographical location places us at the center of numerous international developments. This situation necessitates the development of new strategies in both the socioeconomic and cybersecurity spheres. By taking significant strides in cybersecurity, Turkey has begun to establish itself as a hub in this field.

The Growing Importance of Cyber ​​Warfare

“Cyber ​​warfare” is becoming increasingly significant in interstate relations today. By positioning itself as a key player in this arena, Turkey has taken important steps toward enhancing its cyber resilience. This contributes to Türkiye securing a stronger position on the international stage.

Our Cybersecurity Maturity Level

Türkiye’s cybersecurity maturity level places us in a strong position within the field. This level of maturity enables us to respond to cyber threats more swiftly and effectively. However, remaining open to continuous improvement and innovation in this area is of great importance.

Unseen Threats and Vulnerabilities

Unknown and unseen threats continue to persist in the background of the cybersecurity landscape. Remaining vigilant against these threats and taking measures by identifying our vulnerabilities form the foundation of our cybersecurity strategies.

The Importance of Skilled Human Capital

The key to success in cybersecurity lies in possessing a skilled workforce. Retaining and developing individuals with expertise in this field is critical to the success of Türkiye’s cybersecurity strategies. Continuous Improvement and Sharing

Continuous improvement and the sharing of acquired knowledge in the field of cybersecurity strengthen Türkiye’s stance in this area. Information sharing contributes to the creation of a more effective defense mechanism against cyber threats.

Conclusion

The year 2026 stands out as a time when Türkiye has taken significant strides in the field of cybersecurity. The challenges and opportunities presented by our geographical location lie at the heart of our cybersecurity strategies. The growing importance of cyber warfare, our level of cybersecurity maturity, and our skilled workforce shape Türkiye’s success in this domain. Continuous improvement and information sharing contribute to establishing a more robust defense mechanism against cyber threats.