While it may not seem to have a causal link with cyberattacks, geopolitical disputes have a significant impact on them. In fact, due to the dynamics between Ukraine and Russia, cyberattacks have increased exponentially.
Overall, there has been a global increase in cybersecurity attacks, especially in the following areas: hospitals, schools, and sectors dealing with sensitive data operating on the principle of professional secrecy. Even though it is not widely publicized, cyberattacks rank third among business risks, mainly because they compromise international relations. The most well-known and widely used malware since the 2000s is ransomware, which locks down the entire system until a ransom is paid.
There are various types of ransomware, but they typically follow the same process. Usually, it begins with an attempt to infiltrate the system through fake links, followed by the actual malware infiltration, and then the attacker proceeds to disable documents so the victim can no longer access them. All of this is done with the aim of demanding a substantial ransom in exchange for the data. Often, these ransoms are demanded in the form of Bitcoin, although authorities have increasingly been able to recover some of the funds paid through this payment method.
Internationally, there are recognized groups, with Anonymous being one of them, that target computer systems. One of their recent attacks was on the Russian government. On the other side, other recognized groups have attacked Ukraine, taking advantage of the critical situation with Russia, creating a cyberwar themselves. These strategies are tailored as each group has its own goals; while some seek financial gains, others aim to acquire secret information to use against the victim.
As known, cybercriminals continually develop new forms of malware based on societal vulnerabilities to ensure the success of their attacks. In any case, a thorough analysis of the best protective measures is always recommended. Often, the best precautions include software updates, a specialized team, and regular backups. The basic plan that all companies should follow in case of an attack first involves proper protection to prevent cybersecurity incidents. In the event of an attack, it is essential to contact the relevant authorities as soon as possible to limit the attack, both in terms of timing and damage. Finally, the most effective step is to learn from the incident and take action accordingly in the future.
While it may be challenging to envision a connection between cyberattacks and sustainability, a cybersecurity risk management plan can be used to create a management plan based on the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) strategy, and thus, sustainability.