Financial Crime World

Here is the rewritten article in Markdown format:

Moldova’s Cybersecurity Efforts: A Retrospective Look at the Country’s Journey to Strengthening its Online Defenses (2015-2020)

As the world becomes increasingly digital, the need for robust cybersecurity measures has never been more pressing. Moldova, a country with a population of around 3.5 million people, is no exception. In recent years, the country has faced its fair share of cyber threats, from malware attacks to ransomware scams.

Establishing a Governmental Response Team

In 2015, Moldova took a significant step towards enhancing its cybersecurity posture by establishing the National CERT (Computer Emergency Response Team). This team, responsible for coordinating responses to cyber incidents and threats, marked a major turning point in the country’s efforts to combat online attacks.

According to data from the CERT-GOV-MD, Moldova has seen a significant increase in malware activity over the years. In 2018 alone, the country reported over 127,000 information systems and telecommunications networks infected with various types of malware.

  • The most common types of malware identified during this period include:
    • WannaCrypt (31%)
    • Pykspa (22%)
    • MkerO (7%)
    • Andromeda (6%)
    • MoneroMiner (5%)
    • Sality + Sality-p2p (5%)
    • Android.Fobus-3540 (3%)

Ransomware Attacks

Ransomware attacks have also been on the rise in Moldova. In 2019, the country saw a significant increase in ransomware attacks targeting public sector organizations.

Country-Wide Infections

In 2018, Moldova reported over 108 different families of malware infecting information systems and telecommunications networks across the country. The majority of these infections were found in:

  • Chisinau (58.92%)
  • Tiraspol (30.72%)
  • Bendery (3.38%)
  • Balti (1.36%)

Cyber Threats and Vulnerabilities

The CERT-GOV-MD has identified various vulnerabilities in Moldova’s IT & C infrastructures, which remain a significant concern for national security. The country has also seen an increase in unauthorized cryptocurrency mining activities, mainly through exploiting vulnerabilities in websites or network equipment (cryptojacking).

Conclusion

Moldova’s journey towards strengthening its cybersecurity posture is far from over. However, the establishment of the National CERT and the identification of malware trends have marked significant milestones in the country’s efforts to combat cyber threats.

As the threat landscape continues to evolve, it remains crucial for Moldova to stay vigilant, investing in robust cybersecurity measures and international cooperation to protect its online assets and national security.