Economy Minister announces simplified rules for small entrepreneurs and cybersecurity measures

Small entrepreneurs could begin low-risk economic activities immediately after registering their businesses, without having to obtain prior authorization from state institutions. The government’s Start initiative provides for a shift from prior authorization to subsequent verification, depending on the size of the business and the risks associated with the activity. Details were presented today by Minister of Economic Development and Digitalization Claudiu Năsui.

According to the minister, the initiative is based on the use of existing platforms operated by the Public Services Agency (ASP), through which citizens will be able to register sole proprietorships, with taxes calculated automatically. Subsequently, they will be able to start low-risk activities, such as home-based food production, without undergoing prior bureaucratic procedures.


“After registration, you no longer need anything else; you no longer have to go to any state institution, and you no longer have to request any document whatsoever. As long as you are small, you can start operating immediately,” Claudiu Năsui said.


The minister also addressed the cyberattacks reported since October 19, stating that the Republic of Moldova is facing constant attacks. According to him, the relevant institutions are investigating the technical breach in order to identify the problems and implement corrective measures.

At the same time, the government is preparing a decision to update the security standards applicable to the hardware and software used by public institutions.

The authorities are also planning to establish a National Cybersecurity Center within the existing institutional framework, in line with European recommendations.

Referring to the recent incidents involving the personal data of more than 700,000 citizens, Claudiu Năsui said that the information does not directly enable money to be withdrawn from bank accounts, but may be used in phishing fraud attempts.

The minister urged citizens not to disclose personal codes or other confidential information over the phone, including when contacted by people claiming to represent banking institutions.


“My message is very clear: the bank will never call you and ask you to provide personal codes. This information belongs to you; never share it, and [...] each of us must have this digital awareness and know not to disclose our information over the phone,” the minister said.


Approximately 750,000 state identification numbers (IDNPs) are believed to have been targeted in unauthorized data extractions following the cyberattack on the government systems of the Republic of Moldova. According to preliminary investigations, between October 19 and 23, the attackers queried approximately one million IDNPs in an attempt to obtain personal data, the Information Technology and Cybersecurity Service announced.