European businesses and organisations are facing an increase in state-originated cyberespionage attacks, predominantly from Russian or Chinese sources, which have escalated since the Ukrainian war. Key statistics of state cyberespionage include:
- In 2022, 77% of state cyberattacks involved espionage operations. (source: cfr.org/cyber-operations)
- 9 out of 19 cyber defence operations involved China-linked groups. (source: ANSSI)
- As of 2023, 83% of identified state cyberattacks are espionage-related. (source: cfr.org/cyber-operations)
The 2024 Olympics: A Forthcoming Challenge
80 critical entities are involved in the Paris 2024 Olympics, out of a total of 350 organisations. The cyber risk level may reach an unprecedented threshold during this period. European organisations, especially French ones, need to prepare now, as international state cyber threat actors might exploit this global event to conduct attacks, including cyberespionage, to destabilise the Olympics and potentially the nation’s equilibrium.
Cyber Resilience More Necessary Than Ever
European organisations must now prepare for the worst, particularly in the tense geopolitical context with the war in Ukraine and the Middle East. Strengthening cybersecurity measures is crucial. The ANSSI has announced conducting around sixty audits and distributing training kits to the 350 entities involved in the 2024 Olympics, including 210 healthcare establishments. The goal is to better identify risks and respond quickly and effectively, using “rapid remediation plans” to maximise organisational resilience and ensure continuity of operations.
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