Poland Bolsters Cyber Defenses Amid Rising Global Threats
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The pervasive reality of modern cybersecurity – that any internet-connected system is vulnerable – is driving a significant strengthening of Poland’s cyber defenses, particularly in light of ongoing geopolitical tensions. A leading Polish cybersecurity expert warned that the question isn’t if a system will be hacked, but when, highlighting a need for proactive preparation and robust defense strategies.
Geopolitical Tensions Fuel Cybersecurity Concerns
The topic of cybersecurity has taken on increased urgency given the war unfolding across Poland’s eastern border. According to a recent interview with Evertiq, the current geopolitical climate has demonstrably heightened the risk of cyberattacks. While large-scale incidents have been relatively limited, the threat remains persistent.
“The Russians demonstrated some of their capabilities and carried out attacks in Poland and Ukraine even before the war began,” the expert explained. “After the invasion, there were not that many of them – except for one notable case of satellite terminals being hacked, which temporarily cut off internet access for some users in Poland.”
Despite the limited number of major breaches, the expert cautioned against complacency. “Attacks and attempts still happen, and they will continue to happen,” they stated. “But we have a well-qualified workforce and a lot of experience.”
A Nation of Cybersecurity Specialists
Poland appears to be well-positioned to meet these challenges, boasting a strong and experienced cybersecurity workforce. The nation has cultivated a deep pool of talent, with Polish specialists frequently found in senior security roles within major international corporations.
“In almost every international corporation, you can find Poles in senior security roles,” the expert noted. “This shows that we have the knowledge, the capability and the imagination needed to respond to threats.”
However, the expert underscored the inherent asymmetry between attack and defense. “In defence, success means keeping 100% of your assets protected 100% of the time. But for an attacker, all it takes is half a percent chance that something will be unprotected for a brief moment and the attack succeeds.” This fundamental imbalance necessitates constant vigilance and proactive security measures.
Strengthening Poland’s Cyber Defense Forces
Poland is actively investing in its cyber defence capabilities, with teams regularly achieving top rankings in international competitions and simulations. These exercises demand not only technical proficiency but also a strong understanding of legal frameworks and effective communication strategies. “These are very advanced exercises that require not only technical expertise but also legal and communication skills. They prove that we really have nothing to be ashamed of,” the expert said.
While acknowledging the progress, the expert cautioned against publicly disclosing sensitive details. “Some things simply shouldn’t be said publicly, because not everyone listening is a friendly observer.”
Proactive Preparation: A Risk-Based Approach
When asked for guidance for companies and individuals, the expert emphasized the importance of a tailored approach. “There is no universal advice. Before you start securing your systems, you need to answer two key questions: what do you want to protect, and from whom do you want to protect it?”
Effective cybersecurity begins with a thorough risk analysis, identifying potential vulnerabilities and implementing appropriate countermeasures. “Not every company needs to prepare for an attack from a foreign intelligence agency. But every company should know its weak points,” the expert explained.
Fortunately, conducting these assessments is becoming more accessible. “Today you don’t need to spend huge amounts of money on specialised audits. There are many tools that can help conduct a basic risk analysis — both for companies and private users.”
The Evertiq expo in Kraków recently featured extensive discussions on cybersecurity, including regulatory gaps and challenges facing the electronics industry. The next Evertiq Expo Kraków is scheduled for May 7, 2026, while the final event of this year will be held on October 23 in Warsaw, focusing on the future of advanced technologies and innovative solutions within the electronics sector.
