Attacks on information and communications technology infrastructure are becoming more common, as the recent spike in ransomware attacks affecting supply chains and the integrity of core information infrastructure has demonstrated.
In fact, according to numerous reports, 2020 was a record-breaking year for cybercrime. The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center reported a 69% increase in submissions to its hotline last year. The UK experienced a 31% increase in cybercrime from May to June 2020, a trend replicated globally.
While the rise in reporting is disturbing and requires immediate action, there are long-term developments that are worrying cybersecurity experts. Cyberattacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and the range of targets has expanded to include government agencies, the defence industry and critical-infrastructure providers. But the most destabilising trend is the surge in cyber operations carried out by nation-states and groups sponsored by governments.
Since 2006, the Center for Strategic and International Studies has been recording significant cyber incidents—those affecting government, defence and high-tech companies, or occurrences resulting in a…
