Minister of Digitization Krzysztof Gawkowski: Poland is in the digital war

Cyber ​​security in the context of elections, campaigns and threats is of particular importance. According to the data of the minister of digitization, last year we had over 111 thousand incidents related to it. There is a clear upward wave, but experts reassure that Polish cybersecurity experts belong to the world leaders. Material of the magazine “Poland and the world”.

The minister of digitization clearly says how it is. – 2024 confirmed that Poland is in a digital war – he says Krzysztof Gawkowski.

Cybercriminals from Russia and Belarus Every day they attack Poland's critical infrastructure. There are Polish energy companies, hospitals, public transport and e-destinations in the crosshairs. This week, hackers hit the waterworks.

– We have noted many incidents when it comes to water and sewage companies throughout Poland. You can see that this is a massive action – emphasizes the head of the department of digitization.

Within a few days, 18 attacks were carried out on water supply companies throughout Poland – 17 managed to stop. The minister did not want to say where hackers broke the security and what damage they caused.

– There are a lot of enterprises in small cities and companies that deal with their systems, it has the ability to install various things remotely, and if everyone can remotely have this access – says an expert for cyber security Adam Haertle from a trusted third page. – It is enough for someone to set a weak password there – he adds.

The number of cyber attacks on Poland is growing

If unauthorized persons take control of the water supply, the consequences can be very serious. – Every resident knows that there is no life without water. This is a basic element, and our duty is to provide healthy and safe water – says the spokeswoman for ZWiK in Szczecin Hanna Pieczyńska.

Krzysztof Gawkowski indicates that the infrastructure in Poland operates on electronic systems. – It is enough for someone to turn off the pumps and there will be no water. You don't need a sophisticated attack – he warns.

That is why water and sewage companies are in a state of increased readiness and not from today. – Our facilities are protected by additional people – emphasizes Hanna Pieczyńska. – We do not let anyone instanding, our IT systems are additionally secured – he adds and reassures the inhabitants that “nothing bad is happening in Szczecin”.

Last year, the number of cyber attacks more or less serious about private persons, companies and important state institutions exceeded 111 thousand. This is a year -on -year growth by almost a quarter.

Polish experts for cybersecurity at the forefront

– Various reports show us in different places, but Microsoft recently said at the conference in Poznań that we are Top Three. ESET said at the end of last year that we are the second most attacked country in the world – notes the expert for cybersecurity Mateusz Chrobok. – Here is only what has been detected – he explains.

Fortunately, when it comes to rankings, in the subject of cyber security, the one with the number of attacks is not the only one in which Poles are at the forefront. – We have one of the best in Poland if not the best experts for cybersecurity in the world- says Piotr Konieczny from the portal Trzędznik.pl.

Necessary indicates that Poles work in large corporations and have great experience in matters related to network security. – They proved it many times at various international competitions. We have knowledge and we have made enormous progress in recent years – he emphasizes.

Experts remind you that when it comes to cyber securityin the case of strategic companies and our home computer networks, the weakest element of security is usually man.