Page 58 - Cyber Defense eMagazine June 2024

Espionage-focused attacks are often long-term campaigns, building trust with targets before extracting
information. Attackers typically focus on specific, high-value sectors like defence, energy, or finance.

By comparison, disruption-focused attacks aim for fast, impactful damage. They might target critical
infrastructure like power grids or transportation systems during times of heightened tension.

Elsewhere, influencing operations rely on volume. Attackers might manipulate social media algorithms to
flood a region with propaganda during an election.

State-sponsored defence

As this brief analysis shows, state-sponsored cyberattacks can pose a major threat. A strategic response
is necessary to defend businesses and public sector organisations alike:

Education: Ensuring cybersecurity awareness – and the consequent actions - is vital. Training employees
to spot threats and fostering a culture of vigilance are key first steps.

Active defence: Firewalls, network detection and response, intrusion detection, and multi-factor
authentication create strong barriers to protect targets.
Collaboration: Information sharing means a faster threat identification and a coordinated response. There
is strength in numbers.

By understanding the techniques employed and the motivations behind state-sponsored attacks,
businesses can empower themselves to protect critical assets in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
Whilst it is important to not see these attackers as unbeatable, it is equally important to understand the
depth and scope of threat they present.

About the Author

Jacques de la Riviere is the founder and CEO of Gatewatcher, a cybersecurity
provider based in France. Jacques has held positions throughout
OpenCyber, Adneom and BK Consulting. He is also currently vice-president
of Hexatrust - a cluster of 100 European software cybersecurity leaders and
cloud providers.

Jacques de la Riviere can be reached online at https://www.hexatrust.com/en/

Cyber Defense eMagazine – June 2024 Edition 58
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