Cyber-threats in Ukraine as a problem in conditions of geopolitical rivalry

The subject of research is cyber-threats as an instrument of geopolitical rivalry. The goal of research is to study the impact of cyber-threats on Ukrainian society in conditions of geopolitical rivalry. The research target is to consider the format of the terminological uncertainty of the cyber-threatening problem at a national level; to study the impact of diverse cyber-threats on Ukrainian society and the state; to focus attention on the proposed control mechanisms against the growing cyber-threats in the conditions of geopolitical rivalry. Research methods. In the process of the study, the following research methods were used: a system approach, a search method, synthesis and generalization, an analogical method. Methodological basis of research were the Ukrainian scientists’ works and analytical materials. The results of work. Researching the issue of geostrategic rivalry, the most of the focus is on cyber-struggle. It is found that cyber-security problems increasingly become a problem of the national level, which is traced at the speed of adoption of normative legal decisions with legitimate mechanisms of counteraction to cyber-threats, in the creation of special cyber units to secure cyber resistance and others. The article emphasizes cyber-threats that were the most resonance for the Ukrainian society and the state over recent years, and also attention was paid to the mechanisms used by the authorities to counteract. The field of application of results. The results of this research can be applied in higher educational establishments of Ukraine to teach such disciplines as National Security, Information Security, Socioeconomic Security, etc. Conclusions. Cybercrime, cyberattacks, cyberwar are a result of the formation of an information civilization that not only enables to build a more efficient and successful society, but also forms new threats to national security, leads to geopolitical rivalry. The greatest controversy unfolds in regard to cyberspace, so the state should pay more attention to the system of formation of information policy in all its aspects: to provide terminological definiteness; to promote the formation of the proper coordination of activities of various information departments related to cyberspace opportunities; to create an effective training system for special structural cyber units; to cooperate with international agencies trying to provide cybersecurity in the world.