THREAT OF RANSOMWARE ATTACK IN EUROPE Cover Image

ZAGROŻENIE ATAKIEM ZŁOŚLIWYM OPROGRAMOWANIEM RANSOMWARE W EUROPE
THREAT OF RANSOMWARE ATTACK IN EUROPE

Author(s): Małgorzata Poniatowska-Jaksch
Subject(s): Security and defense, ICT Information and Communications Technologies
Published by: Wydawnictwo Wyższej Szkoły Gospodarki Euroregionalnej im. Alcide De Gasperi w Józefowie
Keywords: digitalization; economy; phishing; ransomware; cybersecurity;

Summary/Abstract: A negative consequence of the digitization of the economy is the development of digital crime, and in this group a ransomware attack in the Ra aS model is a very high threat. The aim of the article is an attempt to determine the scale and identification of directions (sectors) of ransomware attacks in 11 EU countries in connection with the integration of digital technologies by enterprises and the level of social digital competence. The separation groups of countries into those with a high, medium and low level of ransomware made it possible to use the authorial synthetic indication constructed on the basis of the taxonomic method of development pattern (Sophos, Comparitech, DESI database). The research shows the luck of interdependence be-tween synthetic indicator of ransomware and the variables considered to be key signs of the progressing digitization of the economy. The most vulnerable sectors to attack are: business, government administration and the health sector. In Europe, a ransomware attack is determined by the ability to obtain a high ransom, therefore organizations with a high willingness to pay for fear of losing their reputation, become the greatest target. The choice of an organization – a potential victim of an attack, is not affected by its IT level or digital competences of employees. The platform model adopted by cybercriminals, is characteristic of global technology companies, whose the basis for success is advanced technologies and above-average digital competence of employees. RaaS model appears to be a major challenge for cybersecurity in the 21st century.

  • Issue Year: 52/2023
  • Issue No: 3
  • Page Range: 379-395
  • Page Count: 17
  • Language: Polish