NO LOCKDOWN IN CYBERSPACE. STATE-SPONSORED CYBERATTACKS DURING THE FIRST YEAR OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
NO LOCKDOWN IN CYBERSPACE. STATE-SPONSORED CYBERATTACKS DURING THE FIRST YEAR OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Summary/Abstract: The uptick in malicious activity in cyberspace observed during the initial stage of the coronavirus pandemic highlighted once again the need for addressing cyberattacks. Health-related facilities were some of the main targets of cyber operations, several cyberattacks hitting even COVID-19 hospitals. Cyber operations grew in both intensity and numbers, both regarding cyberattacks and cybercrime. However, alleged state-sponsored cyberattacks are the main focus of this research. Malicious cyber operations set dangerous precedents during the pandemic, and it strengthens the need to adequately address these threats, but also broaden the research, especially in the field of International Relations. The discussion is centred on the most significant cyber incidents during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, beginning with the surge of cyberattacks and cybercrime during the first months of increased dependence on digital technologies for companies and state institutions. Therefore, this paper will start with a literature review regarding cyber operations and IR. Research on cyberspace in IR is not scarce, but it is still lagging behind new and dynamic evolutions. Further, I shall focus on the major state-sponsored cyber operations that occurred during this period, while also paying attention to the problem of attribution. All of these developments regarding cyber operations should stand as significant threats and warnings for governments, private companies, and citizens, and they must be addressed properly in order to prevent future considerable disruptions. Given the above, I shall summarise several general lessons and recommendations that emerged from studying the major statesponsored cyberattacks during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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