Cybersecurity is becoming an ever bigger challenge in Europe, and also in Luxembourg. Protecting critical infrastructure from attacks was the topic of a cybersecurity conference this week. The number of attacks has increased in Luxembourg over recent years. A new EU regulation is coming into force now.
It’s a scenario straight out of a Hollywood film: just under a year ago, the Irish health service fell victim to a ransom attack. All data was encrypted and inaccessible; only emergencies were still treated in Dublin hospitals. Another example: wind turbines in Germany became collateral victims of an attack on a satellite system targeting Ukraine.
Luxembourg is not spared and ransomware attacks are becoming more frequent here, too. But attackers have changed strategy, says Steve Muller, specialist in cybersecurity. Large businesses are targeted more and more. Remote work has of course increased the risk of cyber attacks.
It is clear that Luxembourg needs to be prepared, says Luc Tapella, directyor of the Luxembourgish Regulation Institute. The modus operandi of hackers constantly changes and one needs to keep on top of that. The European directive should help.
Cyber attacks are likely one of the biggest challenges for European economies in the coming years.
The EU’s cybersecurity directive – so-called NIS2 – outlines tougher supervision measures and enforcement. Many public institutions and private companies will have to meet the highest security standards.
Video in Luxembourgish:
