“Poland to Strengthen Cybersecurity Post Fake News Attack”, Poland’s commitment to bolster cybersecurity has intensified following a cyberattack, suspected to be of Russian origin, targeting the state news agency PAP. The digitalization minister announced a substantial investment of over 3 billion zlotys (approximately $760 million) to fortify the nation’s cyber defenses. This significant allocation underscores Poland’s proactive stance in safeguarding against future cyber threats and ensuring the security of its digital infrastructure.
With European parliament elections to be held in Poland on Sunday, authorities are on high alert for attempts by Moscow to interfere in the vote, fears that intensified on Friday when a false article about military mobilisation appeared on PAP.
Warsaw has repeatedly accused Moscow of attempting to destabilise Poland because of its role in supplying military aid to its neighbour Ukraine, allegations Russia has dismissed.
“We want to allocate over 3 billion zlotys for a ‘Cyber Shield’,” Krzysztof Gawkowski told a news conference. “Today, Poland is on the frontline of the cyber fight against Russia. Poland has the most attacks.”
Gawkowski reported that Poland successfully thwarted multiple cyberattacks on critical infrastructure on both Sunday and Monday. This proactive defense highlights Poland’s commitment to safeguarding its essential systems against potential cyber threats.
“The Russian Federation has one goal – to destabilise the situation and ensure that the forces supporting the breakup of the EU can benefit,” he said.
Russia’s embassy in Warsaw on Friday said it had no knowledge of the attack on PAP. It has dismissed accusations that Russia is trying to destabilise Poland.
Poland has also linked Russia to incidents of sabotage and arson on its soil and says Russian secret services are actively trying to gather information on weapons deliveries to Ukraine after Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
