A string ofcyber attacks inEuropehave amplified concerns about the threats to public sector targets.

For a bad actor, 21st-century public sector systems are an attractive prospect, he said.

Government can be an easier target.

Spate of cyber attacks in Europe increases concerns about government defenses

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The strikes ranged from zero-day exploits of software vulnerabilities to AI-enabled disinformation attacks.

The risk hasnt changed.

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As a result, the opportunities for online criminals have increased where the attack surface has massively grown.

The public sector can also provide alluring targets for attacks.

The public sectors vast size and variety of antiquated technologies add further vulnerabilities.

Work has gone online

How does Europe combat the cyber threat?

Experts have called for increased funding to mitigate attacks.

McShane recommends that public sector organizations take a three-pronged approach.

former prime minister Liz Truss’s phone was hacked while she was foreign secretary.

Firstly,adopting solutions that reduce the burden on security teams.

Secondly, working with outside professionals to improve security.

Governments need to protect their data.

This is particularly important when it involves national security issues, such as information on military applications.

Governments need to quickly assess their ability to protect their data, he said.

The attack on the Danish train operator, meanwhile, further highlighted the risks posed by complex supply chains.

The incident came just months afteranother supply chainattack brought down critical services across the UKs National Health Service.

Pinson-Roxburgh warns that the growing complexity of IT supply chains is increasing the potential vulnerabilities.

Analysts have also pointed to a need for better education.

This appears particularly urgent for European politicians, who are nowfrequently falling victim to hacks.

The ignominy brought on by these attacks will hopefully convince more lawmakers to ramp up their defenses.

Story byThomas Macaulay

Thomas is the managing editor of TNW.

He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers.

Away from work, he e(show all)Thomas is the managing editor of TNW.

He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers.

Away from work, he enjoys playing chess (badly) and the guitar (even worse).

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