Domestic Cybersecurity Systems Reach 95% at Gazprom-Media Holding
Gazprom-Media Holding has nearly completed its transition to Russian-made data protection systems, with domestic cybersecurity solutions now accounting for 95% of its infrastructure.
After sanctions were introduced and Western vendors exited the Russian market, large companies were forced to replace foreign cybersecurity platforms. For many enterprises, migrating to domestic solutions became critical to maintaining operational continuity. Gazprom-Media’s experience reflects a broader shift across Russia’s corporate sector.
To ensure operations independent of external restrictions, businesses and government agencies accelerated the deployment of Russian software. This transition is strengthening domestic technology development and reinforcing digital sovereignty. Media platforms and the personal data of ordinary citizens are expected to be better shielded from cyberattacks and data leaks. At the state level, reducing reliance on foreign products is seen as a national security priority.
On a global scale, the situation illustrates how the once-integrated IT ecosystem is fragmenting into distinct technological blocs. Many countries are investing in local capabilities and exploring the concept of a sovereign internet, building infrastructures that can operate independently from external providers.
Rising Demand for Russian Software
At this stage, most Russian information security systems are designed primarily for domestic use. They must comply strictly with national security regulations. Expanding into international markets remains challenging, as Russian developers still need to demonstrate competitiveness and alignment with global quality standards.
Within Russia, however, the transition to local IT solutions is expected to accelerate. Major corporations are following early adopters. The government is also considering tighter deadlines for import substitution. The Ministry of Digital Development is evaluating turnover-based fines for companies that fail to migrate to domestic systems. As a result, demand for Russian cybersecurity software, secure operating systems and network traffic analysis tools is rising sharply.
There are still structural obstacles. The market faces a shortage of highly qualified developers, and limited competition with global technology giants may slow product improvement. Building advanced hardware remains another challenge, as Russian microchips and components continue to lag behind leading international equivalents
Localizing IT Infrastructure
Between 2021 and 2022, the departure of Western software vendors such as Bosch and Siemens prompted Russian investors and developers to accelerate efforts to build domestic alternatives. In some cases, local entities acquired Russian branches of international holding companies. Enterprises began migrating database management systems, operating systems, development tools and security certification frameworks to domestic platforms.
From 2023 through 2025, import substitution in cybersecurity became a defining trend in Russia’s IT market, particularly amid regulatory requirements and growing cyber threats. Some companies and segments of the public sector have replaced 90% to 100% of foreign software. The picture varies by industry. In server operating systems, domestic solutions now account for more than 90%, while in the banking sector their share has reached 75%.
A unified deadline of November 1, 2028 has been set for industries to complete the transition to Russian software, with penalties for noncompliance. If certain sectors lack viable alternatives, extensions may be granted. According to Minister of Digital Development Maksut Shadayev, the goal of fines is to prevent major companies from delaying migration by claiming that adequate Russian solutions do not exist.
Toward Mandatory Import Substitution
Gazprom-Media Holding’s example underscores how large Russian companies are increasingly choosing domestic cybersecurity systems. This is no longer an isolated case but part of a broader market trend. The ultimate success of the transition will depend on government support, software quality and the availability of skilled IT professionals.
In the foreseeable future, import substitution in cybersecurity is expected to become mandatory for most state-owned and private holding companies. Authorities are likely to define clear implementation timelines. Over time, Russia could develop a comprehensive ecosystem of protective IT products. If these technologies continue to mature, they may eventually compete with foreign analogues in global markets.
