Explosive rise in cyberattacks in 2021

The number of cyberattacks is growing both globally and in Greece, where there were 21% more cyberattacks last year compared to 2020, and in absolute numbers 485 incidents per week in public and private organizations, according to a survey by the American company Check Point .

But the increase in attacks on corporate networks around the world is much higher than last year, at 50%, with hackers taking advantage of the remote work environment thanks to the introduction of remote employment. According to a recent Check Point survey, while most organizations have fully transitioned to remote work, there are still many security gaps that need to be filled to ensure that devices, corporate assets, and access to them are protected from cyberattacks.

Since the strengthening of cyber security is a key priority of the Greek state and the National Cyber ​​Security Authority, one of the first projects of its kind, with a budget of 595,200 euros, has recently joined the Recovery Fund. Its purpose is to strengthen the protection against electronic attacks of information systems of the Employment Organization (ΟΑΕΔ).

The project, which is earmarked for €496,000 this year, includes studying the organization’s security environment, developing and implementing security policies, purchasing, installing and configuring possible software licenses, and providing three years of technical support. “Implementation and launch will provide the necessary maximum cybersecurity of ΟΑΕΔ in the new requirements established by current legislation,” the decision to include the project in the Recovery Fund says. Protecting ΟΑΕΔ from hackers, which should be completed by the first quarter of 2024,

The National Cyber ​​Security Strategy for 2020-2025 provides for the establishment of a system in which the main pillar is the National Cyber ​​Security Administration, and energy, transport, banks, stock market infrastructure, healthcare, drinking water, telecommunications, justice and education are critical areas where work continuity. Accordingly, protection must be provided in the private sector, including services for citizens and business infrastructure.

However, inside and outside of Greece, the systems of many organizations show a high degree of vulnerability. According to the Check Point survey, the main risks are related to security gaps in remote access, as 70% of organizations allow access to corporate applications from personal devices. They also relate to the lack of security measures when accessing the Internet, the lack of implementation of anti-ransomware solutions (a ransom is required to unlock the computer), and the lack of protection against attacks on mobile devices used to access corporate accounts.

What is the recent hacker attack on hospitals and military hospital Athens, when vital systems and equipment for patients were blocked during the day, as well as patient data stolen. The vulnerability was found in a Swiss company that remotely maintained the computer systems of these hospitals.

The situation with the theft of millions of personal data from the main mobile operator Greece.

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