Estonia Faces Rising Cyber Threats: Report Highlights Need for Stronger Defences

Cyber Security Challenges in 2022

The Estonian Information System Authority (RIA) has released its annual report on Estonia’s cyber security, revealing a significant increase in denial-of-service (DoS) attacks and ransomware incidents in 2022. Despite efforts to strengthen defences, experts warn that more needs to be done to protect Estonia’s digital infrastructure.

Key Findings

• 27,115 reports submitted to the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-EE)
• 2,672 incidents having an impact
• 302 DoS attacks, a fourfold increase compared to the previous year
• State systems and portals, learning institutions, transport sector, and media companies among favourite targets of attackers

Escalating Cyber Threats

The report highlights that the escalation in cyber threats is partly due to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. Pro-Kremlin hacktivists and groups carried out a significant number of attacks.

Resilience of Critical Services

Despite this, Estonia’s critical services remained resilient, thanks to the country’s robust cyber defences and international support.

Recommendations for Ransomware Prevention

To combat ransomware attacks, which decreased from 30 in 2021 to 21 in 2022:

• Do not pay ransoms
• Report attacks
• Follow basic cyber security practices:
  • Use strong passwords
  • Patch software

Initiatives by RIA

RIA has implemented several initiatives to bolster defences, including:

• Establishment of a “Red Team” to identify and address vulnerabilities before criminals exploit them
• Two major cyber security awareness campaigns:
  • Targeting Russian speakers
  • General public

Conclusion

Cyber security is crucial to ensuring Estonia’s freedom, independence, and security. It depends on the awareness and actions of all individuals and organisations.

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