Lithuania faces 63% spike in cyber threats from neighbors
In 2024, Lithuania reported 3,874 cyber incidents, marking a 63% increase from the previous year. The primary threats originate from Russia and Belarus.
Main information
- In 2024, Lithuania registered 3,874 cyber incidents.
- The primary threats come from Russia and Belarus.
- The rise in incidents is attributed to greater public awareness.
In 2024, Lithuania recorded 3,874 cyber incidents, showing a 63% rise compared to 2023. A report by the Lithuanian Ministry of Defense highlights that the main sources of threats are Russia and Belarus.
The ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine has significantly impacted cyber threats. Almost 60% of the incidents involved attempts to extract sensitive information. The report emphasized that narratives portraying NATO as an aggressive military bloc were disseminated in the context of the war in Ukraine.
In 2024, new narratives emerged, suggesting that Lithuania and Poland are preparing saboteurs for a coup in Belarus. Additionally, there has been an increase in reports about World War III or nuclear war in the information space.
Experts estimate that this year, pressure from information sources will likely persist, and posts aimed at discrediting the Lithuanian Armed Forces and NATO will continue to appear online.
Intimidation and threats
According to the Strategic Communication Department of the Lithuanian Armed Forces, a new trend emerged last year: intimidation and threats in the information space. Experts predict that informational pressure will likely persist.
The increase in the number of incidents is not due to a higher threat level but results from growing public awareness and the understanding of the importance of reporting such incidents. This underscores how crucial it is to educate society about cybersecurity.
