Information space security as a regional economic security factor: assessment tool

The ambiguous impact of modern information and communication technologies on the economic and social environment actualizes attention to the information aspects of economic security. The purpose of the work is to develop and test a methodology for assessing the security of the information space as a factor in the economic security of the region. Within the framework of this study, such methods as comparative analysis, typology, system method, methods of statistical analysis, index and rating methods, correlation analysis were used. Analysis and systematization of the definitions of the information security concept and research approaches to measuring this phenomenon, as well as the development of a methodology for assessing the security of the information space of regions and testing of this toolkit, led to a number of conclusions. Firstly, the security of the information space is defined as one of the significant factors in the economic security of the region. An integrated approach to the interpretation of the concept of information security is identified as a universal methodological tool that combines both technical and socially determined (cultural, historical, political, legal, financial, etc.) aspects of this issue. The developed index-rating methodology for assessing the security of the information space makes it possible to assess the likelihood of economic security threats that are informational in nature by studying the state of the digital infrastructure, the information openness of organizations and institutions, the protection of users from cyber threats, digital and financial literacy of the population. Secondly, there is no noticeable relationship between most information security components (the average level of connectivity was found only between the digital infrastructure and the information openness of organizations and institutions). This situation indicates that ensuring information security in the context of digitalization of various spheres of life is carried out spontaneously and requires greater coordination. Thirdly, inter-regional disparities in the development of digital and subject (financial) competencies of the population necessary to ensure information security are higher than similar disproportions in other components of information security (digital infrastructure, the availability of websites in organizations and institutions, and the use of anti-virus software by users). In addition, the modules of digital and financial competencies showed the worst results in terms of the number of regions that have an unsatisfactory level of information security in the relevant aspects. Summing up the results of the study, there is a noticeable need for systematic approach in the implementation of information security management policy at the regional level. The proportional development of all components of information security will increase the efficiency of the use of resources allocated for this and ensure the high quality of information space security. Further research within the framework of this issue will be aimed at clarifying the indicators of information security diagnostics and methods for their regulation.