The digital landscape of Europe has become increasingly perilous in 2024, with cyber attacks showing significant complexity and frequency across the region. Leveraging data from FalconFeeds.io, this blog delves into the trends observed from January to July 2024, providing a detailed examination of cyber threats that have impacted various European countries and industries. This analysis underscores the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures and proactive defense strategies to safeguard Europe’s digital infrastructure.

Monthly Cyber Attack Trends

The first seven months of 2024 have seen fluctuating levels of cyber attacks, with notable peaks in May (952 incidents), February (880 incidents), and July (872 incidents). These spikes often coincide with key political events, such as the European Parliamentary elections and the UK general election, highlighting the susceptibility of digital systems during times of heightened geopolitical activity. Understanding these temporal trends is critical for anticipating and mitigating future threats, particularly in politically sensitive contexts.

Cyber attack trends

Breakdown of Cyber Attack Categories

Cyber attacks during this period were diverse, impacting multiple countries and sectors across Europe. The key categories observed are outlined below:

DDoS Attacks: Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks were the most prevalent, with 3,529 incidents recorded. These attacks were particularly concentrated in January, May, and July, where they disrupted critical infrastructure and essential services. The frequency and impact of these attacks underscore the need for robust defenses.
Ransomware: With 677 incidents, ransomware attacks continued to be a significant threat, especially in May, which saw the highest number of cases at 141. These attacks often paralyze organizations, leading to severe financial and operational consequences.
Data Breaches: A total of 695 data breaches were reported, with a significant spike in May, where 125 incidents were recorded. The exposure of sensitive information remains a persistent risk, emphasizing the need for stringent data protection practices.
Access Sales: Cybercriminals engaged in 489 access sale incidents, with February and June witnessing notable surges. This trend highlights the growing market for unauthorized access to systems, which often serves as a precursor to more severe attacks.
Data Leaks: Affecting 280 victims, data leaks peaked in March and June, with significant incidents that further stress the importance of strong data governance and security protocols.
Defacements: Although less frequent, defacement attacks spiked in May, with 42 incidents. These attacks, often motivated by hacktivism, can cause significant reputational damage and disrupt online services.

Ransomware

Country-Specific Cyber Threat Insights

Certain European countries faced an elevated level of cyber threats during this period, with Spain and Ukraine emerging as the most heavily targeted nations.

Spain and Ukraine: The Most Affected Countries

Spain recorded 664 incidents, while Ukraine faced 648, making them the most targeted countries in Europe. The surge in attacks on Ukraine is particularly concerning due to the ongoing conflict in the region, which has likely intensified its vulnerability to cyber threats. These incidents underscore the growing complexity of the threat landscape in these countries.

United Kingdom, Italy, France, and Germany: Major Economies Under Siege

The United Kingdom (587 incidents), Italy (494 incidents), France (481 incidents), and Germany (402 incidents) were also heavily targeted. These attacks spanned various sectors, affecting critical infrastructure, government services, and private enterprises. The widespread nature of these incidents highlights the pervasive and growing cyber threats faced by major European economies, reflecting the region's increased risk exposure.

Europe

Industry-Wise Distribution of Cyber Attacks

Different industries experienced varying levels of cyber threat exposure, with some sectors being more vulnerable:

Government & Public Sector: The most targeted sector, with 1,518 incidents reported. The high volume of attacks on government entities underscores their critical role and the necessity for fortified defenses.
Transport & Logistics: A total of 661 incidents disrupted essential services and supply chains, reflecting the vulnerabilities in interconnected transport networks.
Technology & IT Services: With 602 incidents, this sector’s prominence in the cyber threat landscape highlights the importance of securing digital infrastructure, as it underpins much of Europe’s economy and public services.

Cyber Attacks

Cybercriminal Platform Analysis

Cybercriminals utilized various platforms to facilitate their activities, particularly in distributing stolen data and selling unauthorized access:

Breach Forums and Exploit Forum: These were the most active platforms, serving as hubs for cybercriminals. Ongoing monitoring and takedown efforts are crucial to disrupting these criminal networks.
Xss and LeakBase: These platforms saw moderate activity but remain significant in the cybercriminal ecosystem, highlighting the resilience of these communities.
Ramp, Dark Forums, Nulled, and Onniforums: Although less active, these platforms still play a role in the broader cybercriminal landscape, making them important targets for law enforcement.

Cyber Criminals

Profile of Major Threat Actors

The period from January to July 2024 saw the activities of several prominent ransomware and hacktivist groups, each with their own strategies and targets:

Ransomware Groups

1. LockBit 3.0

Incidents: 140
Overview: Leading the ransomware threat, LockBit 3.0 operated under a Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) model. Despite facing disruption in February 2024 due to an international crackdown, the group quickly resumed operations, demonstrating resilience and adaptability. LockBit 3.0 primarily targeted sectors such as Manufacturing & Industrial, Education, Healthcare, and Transport & Logistics.

2. 8BASE

Incidents: 60
Overview: Active since April 2022, 8BASE has become known for its aggressive tactics, focusing on critical industries such as Manufacturing & Industrial, Building & Construction, and Wholesale & Retail. The group’s activity in the first half of 2024 highlights its persistent threat to these sectors.

3. RansomHub

Incidents: 48
Overview: Emerging in February 2024, RansomHub quickly established itself as a formidable player in the ransomware space. The group targeted sectors such as Manufacturing & Industrial, Technology & IT Services, and the Government & Public Sector, demonstrating significant impact in a short period.

4. BlackBasta

Incidents: 46
Overview: A prominent RaaS operation, BlackBasta has been active since early 2022. During the first half of 2024, the group continued to target sectors like Manufacturing & Industrial, Consumer Services & Goods, and Business & Professional Services, maintaining a steady pace of attacks.

Hacktivist Groups

1. NoName057(16)

Incidents: 1,869
Overview: NoName057(16) was the most active hacktivist group during this period, responsible for a significant number of incidents. Aligned with Russian geopolitical interests, particularly in the context of the invasion of Ukraine, the group targeted sectors such as the Government & Public Sector, Transport & Logistics, and Business & Professional Services. The group also formed alliances with other hacker collectives, amplifying its impact across Europe.

2. Russian Cyber Army Team

Incidents: 362
Overview: Known as Народная Cyber Армия, this pro-Russian hacktivist group has been active since early 2022. Engaging primarily in DDoS attacks, the Russian Cyber Army Team frequently collaborated with NoName057(16), focusing on disrupting the Government & Public Sector, Transport & Logistics, and Media, Arts, & Entertainment sectors.

3. CyberDragon

Incidents: 208
Overview: A pro-Russian hacktivist group, CyberDragon has been actively conducting DDoS attacks, primarily against Ukraine and NATO members. The group has formed alliances with other hacktivist groups, such as NoName057(16) and the Russian Cyber Army Team, with a focus on targeting the Government & Public Sector, Transport & Logistics, and Financial sectors.

Strategic Recommendations for Enhanced Cybersecurity

In light of the increasing threat levels, European countries and organizations must adopt comprehensive cybersecurity strategies:

Strengthened Security Measures: Enhance defenses in the most affected sectors, particularly Government, Technology, and Transport. Implementing advanced security protocols and regular vulnerability assessments can significantly reduce the risk of successful attacks.
Adoption of Advanced Threat Intelligence Platforms: Real-time monitoring and threat detection are crucial. These platforms provide early warnings and help coordinate responses across different countries and sectors.
Ongoing Threat Analysis: Continuous research and monitoring of emerging threat actors, particularly hacktivist and ransomware groups, is essential for adapting defenses to stay ahead of cybercriminals.

Conclusion

The first half of 2024 has highlighted the increasing cyber threats facing Europe, with significant peaks in activity around major political events. FalconFeeds.io data highlights ongoing cyber threats in Europe, including DDoS attacks, ransomware incidents, and hacktivist activities affecting different industries. As cyber threats continue to evolve, it is essential for European countries to strengthen their cybersecurity measures, enhance collaboration across borders, and remain vigilant against the ever-present risks in the digital domain. Robust and proactive defense strategies will be key to protecting Europe’s digital infrastructure and ensuring the resilience of its economies and societies.

List of Analyzed Countries

This blog provides a comprehensive analysis of cyber attacks in the following European countries:

Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, The United Kingdom, and Vatican City.