European Threat Landscape Report 2023 – Yearly review
Security
In February 2024, CERT-EU released an official report delving into the complex cyber threat landscape in Europe, providing critical insights to aid European Union institutions, bodies, offices, and agencies (Union entities) in bolstering their defenses against cyber attacks.
The report highlights various sectors under siege by cyber adversaries, with significant attention drawn to diplomacy, defense, transport, finance, health, energy, technology, justice, telecommunications, research, education, fundamental rights, and space. Among these, the energy sector emerges as a prime target, encompassing traditional industries such as petroleum, natural gas, nuclear, as well as burgeoning renewables like hydropower and solar.
Cyber assaults on the energy sector typically aim to disrupt production or distribution, posing potential risks to citizens. Notable instances include a Microsoft vulnerability exploited by a Russia-linked threat actor to target European energy facilities. In Denmark, an unidentified threat actor breached 22 energy companies, resulting in disruptions to operational activities.
The primary motive driving these threat actors is cyberespionage, although instances of cybercrime and hacktivism are also prevalent. Notably, cybercriminal activities targeting constituents or their surroundings are relatively scarce, often characterized by opportunistic attacks seeking low-hanging fruit. Financially motivated attacks typically involve the distribution of commodity malware, initiating infection chains that frequently culminate in ransomware incidents.
Additionally, instances of cryptomining and access brokers attempting to sell unauthorized network access on underground forums have been observed, further underscoring the diverse tactics employed by cyber adversaries across the European cyber threat landscape.
As the digital realm continues to evolve, understanding and mitigating cyber threats remain paramount for safeguarding the interests and security of European Union entities and citizens alike.
