The Czech National Cyber and Information Security Agency (NUKIB) revealed a staggering surge in cyber attacks, with 262 incidents recorded in 2023, marking a significant increase from the 146 attacks documented in 2022. This unprecedented rise, detailed in data released on the NUKIB website today, underscores the escalating threats posed by cyber warfare and highlights evolving tactics employed by malicious actors.

The surge in cyber assaults is predominantly attributed to repeated waves of Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks orchestrated by pro-Russian hacking groups. These attacks involve a barrage of queries from compromised computers, crippling servers and rendering them inoperable. Notably, the prevalence of DDoS attacks mirrors tactics observed in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where cyber warfare has become a critical component of geopolitical tensions.

NUKIB Director Lukas Kintr underscored the severity of the situation, identifying two incidents from last year as exceptionally significant. One targeted a major strategic state institution, while the other impacted an unregulated entity in the defense sector, emphasizing the broad scope and high stakes of cyber threats faced by critical infrastructure.

Moreover, NUKIB highlighted emerging trends in cyber warfare, including the proliferation of bot-operated accounts deployed to undermine the credibility of official entities. Attackers leveraged these automated accounts to disrupt communications channels, particularly through email delivery, posing challenges for organizations reliant on digital infrastructure.

The agency also warned of the escalating sophistication of cyber attacks, driven by advancements in generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Large Language Model (LLM) technologies. Kintr emphasized the growing utilization of AI-driven chatbots by attackers, which pose formidable challenges to traditional cybersecurity measures. With attackers leveraging AI capabilities to enhance the efficacy and stealth of their operations, NUKIB anticipates a continued escalation in cyber threats in the coming year.

Established in 2017 following its separation from the National Security Bureau, NUKIB plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the Czech Republic’s cybersecurity landscape. With approximately 350 employees, the agency is tasked with protecting classified information, fostering cybersecurity awareness, and collaborating on legislative initiatives within the European Union. Additionally, NUKIB sets standards for mandatory entities covered by cybersecurity laws, fortifying the nation’s resilience against evolving cyber threats.

Article by Prague Forum