Poland thwarts Russian and Belarusian cyberattacks in 2023

In 2023, Poland's security officials reported a significant increase in cyberattacks, with up to 1,000 incidents occurring daily. These attacks are attributed to groups linked to Russian and Belarusian services, motivated by Poland's support for Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. Digital Affairs Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski revealed that over 400,000 attempted or successful cyberattacks were recorded in the first half of 2024, surpassing the total of 370,000 from the previous year. The targeted entities include government institutions and private companies, with attackers aiming to gain access to sensitive information for blackmail purposes. The Polish government is responding to this escalating threat by planning new legislation to enhance the country's cybersecurity framework. One of the proposed measures involves requiring internet operators to store data on domestic servers rather than abroad, which is intended to improve internal security and allow for better oversight by national authorities. This initiative reflects a broader strategy to bolster national defenses against cyber threats. As Poland continues to face these challenges, the government remains committed to protecting its digital infrastructure and ensuring the safety of its citizens and organizations from foreign cyber threats. The situation underscores the importance of cybersecurity in the context of geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe.