Cybersecurity Threats Mount as Nations and States Intensify Online Warfare
A growing concern among security experts is the increasing threat posed by cyberattacks from nations and states seeking to cause material and physical harm. These attacks can have devastating consequences, putting the stability of state institutions at risk.
Foreign Military and Intelligence Services on the Rise
Nations and states possess significant knowledge and weapons capabilities, which they are increasingly using for purposes beyond protecting their own citizens. Foreign military and intelligence services are deploying their expertise to:
- Inflict economic damage
- Create political instability
- Weaken other countries’ defenses
- Disrupt organizations
- Expose confidential information
The use of advanced techniques to compromise large amounts of information is becoming more common.
Technology-Specific Risks on the Rise
The rapid development and adoption of new technologies such as:
- Cloud computing
- Artificial intelligence
- Quantum computing
have created new security risks. These technologies offer significant advantages, but also introduce vulnerabilities that can:
- Compromise large amounts of information
- Create supply chain attacks
- Hazardize interconnected products
Lack of Cybersecurity Talent a Growing Concern
The increasing demand for cybersecurity talent is not being met by the job market. There is a shortage of skilled professionals, with many courses teaching cybersecurity as an ancillary subject rather than a major component. This lack of talent poses a significant risk to:
- Organizations
- National security
Supervisory Authorities Must Evolve
To address these growing concerns, supervisory authorities must rapidly evolve their market surveillance and inspection capabilities. The existing legal framework needs to be adjusted to cover product-related aspects of security and privacy. The European Cybersecurity Act is an important step in this regard, and its implementation by Belgium is crucial.
Conclusion
The cyber landscape is becoming increasingly complex, with nations and states intensifying online warfare. It is essential for:
- Organizations
- Governments
to prioritize cybersecurity, invest in recruiting IT profiles and IT security profiles, and develop strategies to address the growing risks posed by new technologies.