Geopolitics, Nation-State Hackers & Cyberwar

Uploaded on 2025-03-18 in INTELLIGENCE--International, GOVERNMENT-Defence, FREE TO VIEW

Cyber warfare has emerged as a critical threat to national security, encompassing attacks on critical infrastructure, government operations, and military capabilities. Successful cyber attacks can disrupt essential services, cripple economies, and tarnish a nation’s reputation.

The increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber attacks necessitate effective strategies to mitigate this threat, especially so in the case of attacks on military networks, which compromise classified information and communication systems, endangering military operations.

The potential consequences of these attacks on national security are significant, ranging from the theft of sensitive information to the disruption of critical infrastructure like power grids or transportation systems .

As cyber attacks continue to grow in frequency and sophistication, experts are highlighting the increasing vulnerability of governments to attacks of this kind. Indeed, despite the escalating financial damage caused by cyber crime, cyber security does not receive sufficient funding in comparison to traditional defense spending, raising serious concerns over national security in an increasingly digital world.

Now a report by cyber security firm Group-IB reveals a sharp rise in Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) attacks, which have increased by 58%. These cyber attacks are carried out by highly skilled actors, often state-sponsored, with the aim of infiltrating government and military systems.

The data gathered from these intrusions can be used for espionage, cyber warfare, or disrupting key operations.
Government and the military are the most affected areas, with APT attacks in these areas accounting for 15.5% of all such incidents. Israel is the second-most attacked country, with 3% of APTs, according to Group-IB.
APT attacks are particularly damaging due to the highly sensitive nature of the information these sectors handle, from national security data to critical infrastructure plans.

As geopolitical tensions are rising worldwide, state-sponsored hackers have intensified their efforts in Europe and the Middle East, targeting defence and government institutions in these regions.

According to Group-IB CEO, Dmitry Volkov, the growing influence of hacktivism, often aligned with state-sponsored goals, has also contributed to the increase in attacks on critical infrastructure, further complicating efforts to defend national assets. Hacktivists typically aim to disrupt government systems, collect information, or cause chaos in a politically motivated manner. An indication of of the impact of hacktivists is illustrated by the by actions in the conflict in Gaza, which has created waves of attacks on Israel.

It is Volkov's analysis that, as cyber threats grow, nations must prioritise cybersecurity as a core component of national defence.

While awareness is rising, cyber security still lags in funding and development when compared to traditional military capabilities. To effectively combat the growing cyber threat, it is crucial for governments to not only increase investment in cyber security infrastructure, but also prioritise collaboration across borders.

Cyber warfare is no longer a future problem; it is a serious current problem that requires urgent action. Strengthening cyber defence frameworks, promoting innovation in digital security, and enhancing global cooperation will be key to ensuring that nations are prepared for the evolving threats in the digital age.

As geopolitical tensions continue to rise, securing critical digital assets has become just as important as protecting physical borders.

Group-IB | I-HLS | CEEOL | Temur Digmelashvili

Image: Chosen Soul

You Might Also Read:

Improving Cyber Resilience Of Frontline Armed Forces In Europe:

If you like this website and use the comprehensive 7,000-plus service supplier Directory, you can get unrestricted access, including the exclusive in-depth Directors Report series, by signing up for a Premium Subscription.