The Positive Hack Days cyberfestival concluded in Gorky Park with a deep dive into the tools shaping today’s digital landscape. Attendees explored the capabilities and boundaries of ChatGPT, evaluated secure VPN choices, and considered a broad range of IT and information security topics. The event was highlighted in an official briefing from Positive Technologies.
During the conference portion, experts examined how government agencies and private enterprises can move toward stronger, more resilient security postures. They discussed strategies for unifying the security community, adopting secure development practices, and advancing the bug bounty ecosystem as a legitimate force for testing and improving software reliability. This part of the program underscored practical pathways to reduce risk in both public and private sectors [Source: Positive Technologies].
Also on site, the four-day Standoff cyber warfare exercise demonstrated how defenders respond under pressure. In a fictional State F environment, attackers simulated 204 unacceptable events within real-world control and protection systems, while defenders implemented preventive measures and recovery procedures. Investigators documented 43 distinct attacks to illuminate gaps and reinforce defense strategies. This hands-on experience reinforced the importance of proactive defense in critical infrastructure [Source: Positive Technologies].
Beyond technical drills, the festival emphasized the community’s pivotal role in shaping effective security approaches. The gathering provided a space for participants to align on frameworks that accelerate collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the practical deployment of robust security measures across sectors. The sense of shared purpose was clear: a vibrant community can push the entire ecosystem toward greater resilience.
The development leaders and co-owners reflected on the future trajectory of the high-tech industry in a shifting market. With foreign vendors stepping back from the Russian market, opportunities are opening for breakthroughs across multiple technology domains. Some incumbents have exited large portions of their markets, yet user demand remains—and expectations for product quality and service reliability persist. This moment creates room for domestic innovation, faster domestic production, and improved maintenance of software systems to match international standards [Source: Positive Technologies].
“A critical early milestone for the domestic tech sector is to achieve production and maintenance quality on par with leading foreign suppliers,” remarked Alexey Totmakov, chief technology officer of VK Tech, during the festival discussions.
Retail professionals at the event also highlighted warning signs that can indicate unreliability in online stores. They stressed the importance of consumer vigilance, transparent vendor disclosures, and robust verification processes to protect shoppers in digital marketplaces. The overall atmosphere affirmed that trust, verification, and responsible commerce remain essential in an increasingly connected economy.
VK served as the general media partner for the event, while Rambler&Co functioned as the primary information partner, helping to disseminate insights to a broad audience and stimulate ongoing dialogue about cybersecurity best practices and innovation [Source: Positive Technologies].