Biznes Fakty
Deputy Prime Minister on cybersecurity: the expenses are huge
– Poland is currently the most targeted nation within the European Union – stated Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Affairs Krzysztof Gawkowski during an interview with TVN24 BiS at the European Economic Congress on Wednesday. He also mentioned, „Poland is investing the highest amount ever in cybersecurity.”
In response to a question about whether the allocated PLN 4 billion for cybersecurity this year would suffice, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digitization Krzysztof Gawkowski answered that „there could always be more funds available.”
– Nonetheless, I am pleased that cybersecurity has emerged as a prominent topic in discussions regarding national security. It’s not solely about tanks, aircraft, and howitzers – he added.
„The number of attacks is rising annually”
The Deputy Prime Minister reported that „the frequency of attacks is on the rise each year.” – In 2024, over 111 thousand attacks were recorded, with 600 thousand reports of incidents. These figures are quite significant – he stated. He also pointed out that the number of incidents has risen by several dozen percent compared to the previous year.
– Furthermore, 2025 appears to be equally concerning. The first quarter shows a higher number of attacks than in 2024. We are engaged in an ongoing digital conflict. With Russia and Belarus. These nations are launching attacks on us, aiming to destabilize our situation – Krzysztof Gawkowski explained. He clarified that this involves both disinformation campaigns and attempts to compromise critical infrastructure, such as water and electricity supplies.
When asked if the number of attacks is escalating with the approach of presidential elections, he remarked that „it is evident that there are more attacks.” – This does not imply that the situation will improve after the elections. Currently, disinformation is surging, and there is a growing belief that individuals can be recruited to generate misleading content online – he observed.
„These are substantial figures”
The Deputy Prime Minister noted an increase in activities from the Russian military intelligence agency GRU in Poland.
– However, the „Election Umbrella” (Program aimed at protecting elections from cyber threats and disinformation – ed.) is in effect. We are capable of responding to various situations very promptly – he assured, adding that, for instance, in cases of attacks on electoral committees, they receive updates „in de facto real time.”
He emphasized that „Poland is allocating the largest budget for cybersecurity in its history.” – These are substantial figures. But our adversaries are also increasing their attacks. They aim to exert more influence over Poland – he concluded.
