CERT: Latvia sees highest level of cyberattacks in two years

Latvia's cyber incident prevention agency CERT reported a significant surge in cyberattacks as of October 15, 2024, marking the highest level in two years. The increase correlates with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, with a 40% rise in cyber incidents targeting state institutions and critical infrastructure since January 2022. In the second quarter of 2024, hacking attempts surged by 56% compared to the start of the year. CERT emphasized the critical need for a resilient defense system and responsive action plans to mitigate serious impacts on essential services. The pattern of attacks shows increased targeting of government agencies to access company networks, underscoring the importance of cybersecurity across both public and private sectors to maintain national security and citizen services. These trends highlight the evolving cyber threat landscape in the Baltic region amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.