The Cybersecurity System Act is with the President. Deputy Prime Minister Gawkowski: I don't want to think about a scenario without a signature
Poland's Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski highlights the critical nature of cyber threats facing the country, emphasizing the introduction of a long-awaited cybersecurity law.
Poland is facing constant pressures in cyberspace, with Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski stating that the country deals with hundreds or even thousands of cyberattacks daily, most commonly targeting critical infrastructure. Alarmingly, attacks are not limited to the energy sector, as water, sewage systems, administration, banks, and energy are also frequent targets. The minister of digitization identifies two primary driving forces behind these cyberattacks: common crime, which involves data theft, money theft, and blackmail, and a more perilous form attributed to a new hybrid war with Russia, aimed at paralyzing everyday life, feeding disinformation, and gathering intelligence for potential manipulation.
In light of these serious threats, the recently proposed Cybersecurity System Act, which has been six years in the making, is critical for the country's defense against cyber attacks. Gawkowski notes that this is likely the longest-deliberated legislative project in Poland's history. The deputy prime minister expresses urgency in having the law signed, indicating the need to bolster national security measures amidst ongoing cyber threats. Without the law's ratification, he suggests that the countryโs defenses may remain insufficient against the increasing frequency and severity of attacks.
The implications of this legislation extend beyond just technical security measures; it represents Poland's recognition of the need for a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity that encompasses both defense mechanisms and strategies to mitigate the psychological impacts of disinformation on the populace. The collaboration between various sectors in implementing this law will be crucial in not only enhancing cybersecurity but also in reassuring citizens of their safety in the digital realm.