Poland Among Top Cyberattack Targets in Central Europe

SECURITYPoland Among Top Cyberattack Targets in Central Europe

In a weekly snapshot, the number of attacks on government and military institutions in Poland is about 2,100 – a level comparable with neighboring Czech Republic and Hungary (2,200), significantly higher than in Slovakia (1,400) or Germany (1,300).

According to a report by the Central Bank of Cyprus, Poland recorded one of the highest rates in terms of the number of cyberattacks affecting business activity – 29.7%, just behind the Netherlands (30.1%) and Finland (43.8%).

The drastic increase in the number of attacks is a challenge not only for companies, but also for the entire national security sector. Cyber criminals are not only increasingly specialized and audacious, but also better funded and organized, making the threat more real and unpredictable than ever before.

Poland is among the top 5 countries most attacked by cyber criminals in Central Europe. Considering the most sensitive economic sector targeted by hackers – the military and government sector – we’re among the top 3 most plagued countries, right after Czechs and Hungarians. Polish institutions are attacked almost 2,100 times a week – according to the latest analysis by Check Point.

This data is confirmed by the latest report from the Central Bank of Cyprus, which investigates the level of financial stability in the EU, as part of the EU regulation on digital operational resilience (DORA). The document highlights the growing risk of cyber-security of financial institutions across Europe, informing that 22.2% of businesses in the EU reported cyber incidents disrupting services or compromising data. Poland – according to the report – recorded one of the highest rates in terms of the number of cyberattacks affecting business activity – 29.7%, just behind the Netherlands (30.1%) and Finland (43.8%).

Among the disclosed incidents, we can mention for instance BS in Zambrow, which fell victim to a ransomware attack in early 2024 (customer data was encrypted and e-banking ceased to function). Also in 2023, BOS was attacked by various types of hacking attacks on e-banking services, causing temporary problems for customers with access to certain services. In 2024, cyber criminals targeted customers of mBank, Alior Bank, PKO BP among others.

Significant increase in cyberattacks on Polish companies: military and government sector in the crosshairs

In 2024, Poland is experiencing a further increase in the number of cyberattacks. Not only it raises serious concerns among business owners, but it also attracts the attention of international security experts.

Most frequently attacked countries in Central Europe:
1. Slovenia, 2. Czech Republic, 3. Hungary, 4. Austria, 5. Poland

Until recently, the top targets of cyberattacks were companies in the telecommunications and financial sector, but in 2024, cyber criminals turned their attention to the government and military sector. Currently, these institutions have become the main target of hackers’ actions. In a weekly perspective, the number of attacks on government and military institutions in Poland is about 2,100 – at a level comparable with neighboring Czech Republic and Hungary (2,200), significantly higher than in Slovakia (1,400) or Germany (1,300). This data places Poland at the forefront of Central European countries in terms of the number of attacks on the military-government sector.

The drastic increase in the number of attacks is a challenge not only for companies, but also for the entire national security sector. Cyber criminals are not only increasingly specialized and audacious, but also better funded and organized, which makes the threat more real and unpredictable than ever before.

“With the increasing number of cyberattacks, there is a growing need for a strong defensive strategy based on international cooperation, information exchange and the introduction of innovative protective technologies. Time will tell whether Poland, together with neighboring countries, will be able to effectively counter cyber threats and strengthen its defense systems in the face of further attacks” – emphasizes Wojciech Głażewski, Director of Check Point Software Technologies in Poland.

Source: https://ceo.com.pl/polska-wsrod-najczesciej-atakowanych-przez-hakerow-panstw-w-europie-srodkowej-92490

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