INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION RISKS IN THE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION SYSTEM: CHALLENGES AND WAYS TO MINIMIZE THEM

Abstract

The article explores information and communication risks in Ukraine’s public administration system in the context of digital transformation and martial law. Emphasis is placed on the fact that the effectiveness of public governance largely depends on the quality of communication both within state structures and between government authorities and the public. At the same time, the expansion of digital technologies and the increase in information flows have led to the emergence of new threats, including cyberattacks, the spread of disinformation, manipulative narratives, and the low level of media literacy among the population. It has been confirmed that the rising number of cyber incidents and information attacks on state institutions directly affects the efficiency of administrative processes. In 2024, the number of recorded cyberattacks on Ukrainian government agencies increased by 69.8% compared to the previous year. Simultaneously, the financial losses of citizens due to cybercrime have significantly increased, indicating the need to strengthen information security at all levels of public administration. The article examines the main types of information and communication risks in public administration, including: technological risks, organizational risks, cognitive risks, legal risks, social risks. To mitigate these threats, a comprehensive approach has been proposed, which includes the following directions: strengthening cybersecurity of government information systems and protecting personal data; standardizing communication within public administration to enhance the efficiency of information exchange; combating disinformation by implementing tools for the automatic detection of fake news and increasing the level of media literacy among the population; introducing crisis communication strategies for prompt responses to information attacks and maintaining public trust in government institutions; developing legislative initiatives aimed at strengthening information security and regulating liability for the dissemination of manipulative information.