Russia has proposed a ban on foreign IT for critical infrastructure

The Russian Federal Service for Technical and Export Control (FSTEC) has proposed a ban on foreign information technology within critical national infrastructure such as systems and networks critical to the economy’s operations. The proposal also suggests that no technical support be sought from foreign organisations or foreign means of protecting information. The defense, transport, communications, credit and finance, energy, fuel, nuclear, space, mining, metals and chemical, as well as the information systems of state departments would be industries impacted by this proposal if accepted. This follows the “sovereign internet” law another measure put in place to provide greater governmental control over digital portions of the economy. Additionally since 2015, Russia has implemented an import substitution policy for IT and communications where domestic software purchases has increased from 20% to 65%. The proposal is open for public debate until February 20th and the government will then make a decision.