Post COVID-19 Recovery and New Challenges for Central And Eastern European Countries

Author(s): Gergana Mihaylova-Borisova / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Following the severe pandemic crisis related to the spread of a new virus to humanity, the coronavirus COVID-19, economies are beginning to recover at different rates depending on the extent to which they have been affected by thecrisis. The aim of the study is to analyse to what extent the Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries have been able to recover from the pandemic crisis and reach pre-crisis levels of their main economic indicators. Despite the successful recovery of most of them, the countries face new challenges posed by a number of internal and external factors such as accelerating inflation, expansionary monetary policies of central banks, declining bank profits as a result of increased costs, and the outbreak of war between Russia and Ukraine.

Impact of Pandemics – An Economic Perspective

Author(s): Diyana Miteva / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Recent COVID-19 pandemic surprised society and state leaders with its sudden appearance finding countries unprepared for common lockdown, travel restriction and high infection rates. It affected heavily society, business and state governance around the world causing unprecedent drop and changes in economic indicators. Therefore, the paper aims to outline the main impact pandemics have on economies. An analysis of the overall economic indicators affected by the Covid-19 pandemic is given where results show that sharp increase of government debt, inflation, financial sector leverage and other indicators are reported following 2020. Data proves the serious crisis that countries are facing because of Covid-19 pandemic and also how vulnerable the world economy is towards pandemic.

The Evil Payments Trilogy: Push Payment Fraud; Abolition of Cash and Deductions from Face Value When Payment is Made by Cards

Author(s): Gordon Kerr / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Initiatives in accounting, central banking supervision of banks, bank stability and payments which incept in the UK are generally copied throughout the EU. The Bank of England are, it is believed, determined to abolish cash and replace it with a CBDC (central bank digital currency) already trendily named “Britcoin”. Riding the general wave of enthusiasm for tech and “digitisation”, rapid changes are planned late 2022 early 2023 to the UK payments system. All of these changes, proposed by regulators as ‘modernisation’ to be embraced and worshipped on the altar of tech, tech and more tech, should be paused. The real agenda of the Bank of England (and ECB) is to abolish cash to enable deeply negative interest rates despite rising inflation. This will be retrograde for UK and European societies; will lead to mass poverty and will reduce democratic accountability of governments. Moreover, the desire to abolish cash has incentivised the Bank of England via its subsidiary regulator, the Payment Services Regulator, to do nothing to address rising frauds and charges for card use, since they will claim that this Britcoin replacement of cash will be easier to use and cheaper than cards and less exposed to fraud. The present payments landscape in the UK is dystopian, marred by three easily fixable problems causing massive consumer harm. They are each presented here and collectively termed the ‘evil payments trilogy’.

“LAZARUS” THE NORTH KOREAN HACKER GROUP

Author(s): Attila Gulyás / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) is famous for the poverty, destitution and backwardness, however in spite of these negative features it is among the most advanced cyber warfare countries. In the daily news quite often can be read about cyber-attacks against different states, media institutions or banks where the experts assume that the DPRKsupported hacker group the “LAZARUS” is behind the attacks. According to the latest news the group in connection with stealing a big amount of crypto currency and money laundering got into the limelight. The state officially denies the existence of the group however cyber analysts and security experts found direct and circumstantial evidences that prove the connection between the North Korean state and the hacker group.

Exploring a Diplomatic System of Cooperation in the Cyber Space through a Proposed Cyber Diplomacy Cooperation Framework

Author(s): Natalia Bell,Alex MBAZIIRA / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Cyberattacks are on the rise, and cyber weapons are the main tools used in modern warfare. All these occurrences are changing the nature of traditional diplomacy, contributing to developing new avenues for Cyber Diplomacy. The world's leading nations have realized the importance of establishing a diplomatic system of collaboration in the cyber sphere to facilitate bilateral relationships between nations and cooperation in cyberspace in already-established alliances such as NATO, the United Nations, and regional trade associations. Multiple studies have discussed and detailed the concept of "cyber diplomacy" and the diplomatic behavior associated with it; however, few of these analyses have sought to distinguish the "cyber diplomacy" concept from the more traditional and well-known concept of "diplomacy." The scope of this proposal is to create a Cyber Diplomacy Cooperation Framework which will bring together conventional elements of diplomacy and cutting-edge cybersecurity mechanisms. As cyber warfare concerns are growing, nations need a normative cyber diplomacy framework that can be adapted by countries to prevent cyber-crises and engage more nations in the discussion.

Carnival of Cybercrimes - Taking off the Mask of Synthetic Identity Theft

Author(s): Larisa-Mădălina MUNTEANU / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

This article portrays a comparative and doctrinal analysis that aims to combine theoretical and applicable knowledge over a deeply rooted, yet still unfamiliar cybercrime: synthetic identity theft. The jurisdictional dimensions explore the European Union (EU), United Kingdom (UK) and United States (US) in terms of expertise, legal initiatives, regulations and practical cases. As a prerequisite, the study has addressed the connection with identity theft and identity fraud as the Criminal Law “labels” it generally belongs to. Moreover, the most thought-provoking part represents analysing the nexus between synthetic identity theft and personal data protection, focused on security incidents. On this latter point, personal data breaches are proven as frequently being both a cause and an effect for synthetic identity theft. Subsequently, this turns out to have significant impact on individuals and organisations alike, predominantly in the financial sector, although harm may take several shapes.

Artificial Intelligence and its Impact on Cybercrime

Author(s): Carla LOZONSCHI,Irina Bakhaya / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

It is well known that technology is becoming increasingly prevalent among us, and that it is evolving at a quick pace. We're hearing more and more about artificial intelligence and how it affects our lives. Opinions on AI split the globe into two camps. Therefore, we choose to discuss what Artificial Intelligence is and how it marks our lives. Is it good to employ artificial intelligence? If so, how far should this be taken? Can it be used in a bad way? Sure, but this may also play a significant role in preventing and combatting cybercrime. All of these topics will be addressed in the next article.

A FMEA Analysis on Web Applications

Author(s): Gabriel PETRICĂ,Costel CIUCHI / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Based on the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) method, this paper identifies the potential causes that lead to the failure of a Web application built on the WordPress platform. Both software vulnerabilities identified in the U.S. National Vulnerability Database (NVD) and other platform administration and configuration processes that can be exploited in cyber-attacks against the Web application are considered. Finally, measures to eliminate potential security breaches are proposed in the form of a best practice guide for managing sensitive data and increasing the level of security for this type of application.

The Implications and Effects of Data Leaks

Author(s): Paul-Andrei PREDESCU,Dragoș-Ionuț BĂLAN / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

In the following article we will present how data theft can have serious effects on the personal life of citizens and users of certain applications, and in general on public institutions and countries. In the following we will find out how these data can end up in the hands of hackers, for what purpose they are used and what are the legal implications. In the end we will analyze how the authorities try to limit this phenomenon and how each of us can take protective measures for this purpose.

Cybercrimes in the Metaverse: Challenges and Solutions

Author(s): Alexandru-Valentin TEODOROV / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

The emergence of the metaverse has brought about novel opportunities for user interaction and commerce. However, with these new technologies also comes the rise of cybercrime as well as new types of cybercrime. The current article aims to delve into the manifold forms of cybercrime that loom large in the metaverse - from virtual theft and identity theft, to cyberbullying. At the same time, the paper explores the multiple challenges that come with preventing and addressing such crimes, such as the arduous task of identifying perpetrators and the inefficacy of law enforcement as well as the necessity for new laws created for the metaverse. In conclusion, the study will explore viable solutions for preventing and mitigating cybercrimes in the metaverse. The article aims to do exploratory research of cybercrimes and technological solutions such as blockchain and AI, as well as policy and legal changes, so that the metaverse can be a safe and secure haven for all users.

Security Testing for E-Commerce Applications

Author(s): Alexandru-Petrișor LAZĂRA / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Over the past decade, as the e-Commerce market has evolved into a shopping ecosystem involving multiple devices and store concepts, retailers have been continuously innovating the online shopping experience introducing convenient features like multi-device optimizations, product customization, quick and secure checkout processes, or recurrent payments to attract more customers and influence purchase decisions. The main guidelines that are followed in this paper are revolving around security testing and how it can be performed in the form of manual and automated testing, with aid from automated security tools. This paper looks at the threats e-Commerce Applications are facing in regards with cybersecurity and intends to assist preventing vulnerabilities being exploited by malicious intended users by showing the importance of performing security testing to identify weaknesses, mitigate risks and to raise awareness of the importance of strong security measures and procedures.

A Method of Warning About Unauthorized Access to a Room

Author(s): Cristian-Ovidiu OPRIȘ / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

This paper is based on the study of cybercrime in the context of a world based on technology. Whether it is financial losses, data leaks or mental trauma resulting from harassment in the online environment, cybercrime is part of the reality of the modern world, where the multiple advantages of using the most advanced technologies bring with them disadvantages that cannot be ignored. We will treat the types of cyberattacks, but also the methods by which we can protect ourselves as much as possible. An example of increasing the degree of security in terms of physical access to a room containing sensitive information, achieved at low cost, is also provided. A "smart" entrance mat is used to provide access, a coconut fiber mat into which Linqstat (Velostat) tactile force sensors and the data processing electronics provided by them have been inserted.

ВЪЗДЕЙСТВИЕТО НА НЕПРИЗНАТИТЕ РАЗХОДИ ВЪРХУ ДЕЙНОСТТА НА МАКЕДОНСКИТЕ ПРЕДПРИЯТИЯ

Author(s): Lazar Arsovski,Savo Ashtalkoski,Radica Gramatikova / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Unrecognized expenses are a burden on the industry’s operations due to the income tax and personal income tax, as a value that should be added to the total expenses for a specific purpose. In addition to the financial burden, this positive regulation damages the operations of companies in terms of deteriorating the socio-social aspects of the existence of companies. Companies pressured by financial liabilities arising from unrecognized expenditures lose the motivation to contribute to the public interest, the common good, and distance themselves from further motivating employees. Apart from making the work more difficult, the current regulations also pose challenges in terms of the objectivity of the work, the constructiveness in its interpretation, but also open limited opportunities for unintentional omissions. The reason for that is in direct correlation with the nature of the matter which is related exclusively to the set regulations and legal acts regarding financial discipline. For these reasons, to a large extent, the subject matter of the paper is within the framework of theoretical analysis and literary review.

НАДЕЖДНИ СИСТЕМИ И РЕГУЛАЦИИ: БАЛАНСИРАНЕ НА ИНОВАЦИИ И СИГУРНОСТ В ЦИФРОВАТА ЕРА

Author(s): Daniela Ilieva / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

This paper discusses the concept of trustworthy systems, the role of regulations in ensuring their security, and the challenges and opportunities that arise in regulating trustworthy systems. We examine case studies of situations where regulations have succeeded or failed to prevent harm to consumers or society, and provide recommendations for how regulators, industry, and consumers can work together to create and maintain trustworthy systems. By addressing these challenges effectively, regulators can help ensure that trustworthy systems are in place to protect consumers, promote fair competition, and prevent harm to society in the digital age.

ЗА НЯКОИ ПРОМЕНИ В ТЕОРИЯТА И ПРАКТИКАТА НА ИКОНОМИЧЕСКАТА ИНТЕГРАЦИЯ

Author(s): Eduard Marinov / Language(s): Bulgarian Publication Year: 0

ИЗКУСТВЕН ИНТЕЛЕКТ В УПРАВЛЕНИЕТО НА ИНВЕСТИЦИИТЕ: БЪДЕЩЕТО НА ПОРТФЕЙЛНИТЕ СТРАТЕГИИ

Author(s): Aleksandar Apostolov / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

ИКОНОМИКСЪТ НА ДИГИТАЛИЗАЦИЯТА/ЦИФРОВИЗАЦИЯТА – НОВОТО НАПРАВЛЕНИЕ В ОБЩАТА ИКОНОМИЧЕСКА ТЕОРИЯ

Author(s): Petkan Iliev / Language(s): Bulgarian Publication Year: 0

ДОСТОЙНИЯТ ТРУД – ФАКТОР ЗА РАЗВИТИЕ НА ОБЩЕСТВОТО

Author(s): Evgeni Evgeniev / Language(s): Bulgarian Publication Year: 0

МИГРАЦИОННИТЕ ПРОЦЕСИ И ВЛИЯНИЕТО ИМ НА ПАЗАРА НА ТРУДА В ЕС

Author(s): Desislava Koleva-Stefanova / Language(s): Bulgarian Publication Year: 0

БИОМИМЕТИКАТА – ВДЪХНОВЕНИЕ ОТ ПРИРОДАТА ЗА УПРАВЛЕНИЕТО НА ЧОВЕШКИТЕ РЕСУРСИ В ОРГАНИЗАЦИЯТА

Author(s): Mariya Mancheva / Language(s): Bulgarian Publication Year: 0