Cybersecurity Chaos: July’s Attack Surge and December’s Calm
ENISA reports July as the “Olympics of cyber-attacks,” with 800 incidents. Meanwhile, December took a holiday break with fewer than 300. Cyber espionage campaigns by Russia-nexus groups and hacker-for-hire services are on the rise. ENISA recommends bolstering EU cybersecurity through policy implementation, crisis management, supply chain security, and skills development.
Hot Take:
So, it seems like July was the month when hackers decided to take a break from their sunbathing to get back to work and give ENISA a real run for their money. Meanwhile, December was a time for cybercriminals to chill out with some hot cocoa and enjoy the festive season. Who knew hackers followed a seasonal work schedule? As for the Russians and Chinese, they seem to be running a cyber espionage marathon, while hacker-for-hire services are giving the gig economy a new twist. It’s like Uber, but for hackers! ENISA’s recommendations are as lengthy as a Russian novel, but at least they’re trying to keep everyone awake in the cyber world with a cybersecurity policy framework that’s longer than a CVS receipt.
Key Points:
- July 2023 topped the charts with 800 cyber incidents, while December was the quietest with under 300.
- Cyber espionage and disinformation campaigns, mainly from Russia and China, target EU institutions and elections.
- Hacker-for-hire services are on the rise, professionalizing the cybercrime market.
- ENISA’s report outlines priority areas and policy recommendations for EU cybersecurity.
- ENISA must produce similar reports biannually, as per the NIS2 Directive.