Cybersecurity firm Link11 reports that by 2026, Europe will face five major challenges from evolving cyber threats. The five major challenges are described in detail in a recent report issued by Link11. The threats include the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) as used by both cyber attackers and cyber defenders.
Link11’s prediction: What are the threats to Europe?
Threat 1: Artificial intelligence to automatically create and carry out attacks
- Link11 reported that AI will allow cyber attackers to use artificial intelligence to automatically create and carry out attacks. In addition, AI will help attackers find and attack vulnerabilities much more quickly than they were able to before. Finally, using AI, attackers will be able to send very specific and targeted phishing messages. Additionally, AI will make it easier for malware to change itself while it is being transmitted through a network.
Threat 2: Quantum Computing
- In addition to AI-powered attacks, Link11 warned about the threat of “quantum computing,” which will be used to break some forms of encryption that are currently protecting sensitive information. According to Link11, if there are significant advancements made in quantum computing, it is possible that the way we currently encrypt information will be broken, putting sensitive information such as that held by government institutions and critical infrastructure at a higher risk of attack than ever before. Therefore, European governments will need to begin to invest in the development of new encryption techniques that are resistant to attacks from quantum computers.
Threat 3: Attacks on defense contractors
- Another challenge Link11 noted is the increased number of attacks on defense contractors and other companies that are part of the supply chain of goods and services purchased by the U.S. Department of Defense. Since many of the companies in the defense contractor supply chain do not take sufficient steps to protect themselves from cyber attacks, this creates a potential entry point for hackers who are trying to gain access to the DoD computer systems.
Ransomware-as-a-service and state-sponsored attacks will increase
Threat 4: Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) platforms
- Link11 noted that ransomware attacks have become increasingly sophisticated and that hackers are now using “Ransomware-as-a-Service” (RaaS) platforms to conduct attacks. Using these RaaS platforms, even relatively unskilled hackers can launch devastating ransomware attacks on corporations, government agencies, and other organizations that are providing essential services.
Threat 5: Cyber warfare and state-sponsored attacks
- Ransomware attacks can cause a great deal of damage to a company or organization, including a loss of revenue and a reduction in the organization’s ability to function. Because of the high potential cost and disruption caused by ransomware attacks, European governments must develop and implement new plans to prevent these types of attacks, including the implementation of “zero-trust” architectures and incident response plans to rapidly respond to a ransomware attack.
These five challenges signal that there is going to be a significant transformation in the area of cybersecurity in Europe.
Traditional defensive strategies will no longer be effective
Because of the increasing complexity and sophistication of cyber threats, traditional defensive strategies will no longer be effective in preventing cyber attacks.
Therefore, governments and businesses in Europe will need to invest in cutting-edge technologies, establish better communication between countries, and encourage a culture of cyber awareness in order to be prepared to meet the increasing number of cyber threats that will arise in the coming years.
According to Link11, the five challenges outlined above are a warning to governments in Europe. Cybersecurity is becoming an important aspect of national defense, and governments in Europe must prepare to defend themselves against cyber attacks. If the nations of Europe are unable to effectively defend themselves against cyber threats, it will weaken their ability to operate in a world where cyber attacks are becoming increasingly common.
