Features of liability for cyber-attacks in EU countries

Abstract

The article is devoted to the peculiarities of responsibility for cyber-attacks in the countries of the European Union. It is noted that cyber-attacks on state bodies can be a component of cyber war or hybrid war and at the same time pose a threat to national and global security, as they can lead to the leakage of important information, disrupt the operation of state systems and lead to various negative consequences. So, for example, in Europe, the main goals of hackers from 2022, in addition to Ukraine, became Poland, the Baltic countries, Northern Europe and Germany. The share of cyberattacks on European Union (EU) countries increased from about 10% in the first quarter of 2022 to almost 50% in 2023. In total, 162 cyber-attacks were carried out on Ukraine in 2022; to Poland – 114; Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia – 157; Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland – 95, Germany – 57.
 An increase in the activity of cyber-attacks on the networks of the energy sector, the diplomatic corps, law enforcement agencies, the defense complex, state enterprises and media companies has been established. The main goal of these attacks is to damage the country’s critical infrastructure. Globally, there has been a steady trend towards an increase in the number of targeted cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure facilities in recent years. And therefore, in connection with the possible negative consequences in the case of the implementation of cyber-attacks, it is important to note that ensuring the effective functioning of the country’s cyber defense system remains a high-priority task. Each year underscores the urgency of this challenge as threats in cyberspace continue to grow and become more highly specialized.
 It was concluded that their public attribution will be important for determining possible responsibility in the countries of the European Union for a cyber-attack, which will include the identification and public announcement of who is behind a specific cyber-attack that affects state, commercial or other objects.