Versão em Português (clique aqui) .

The digital age has ushered in a revolution in how information is generated, distributed, and consumed. With the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), every device has become a potential data source, and every piece of information has become a valuable currency on the global board. The ability to control, manipulate, and access this data is now one of the primary forms of power on the world stage. But who wins on the global board?

NATO, through its 2022 Strategic Concept, reaffirmed its commitment to its founding principles and its core mission of collective defence and security in a decidedly 'not at peace' Euro-Atlantic area. Cyberspace, a global domain of interconnected information technologies and data, is 'contested at all times' by a variety of state and non-state actors. This statement is reinforced by the cyber campaign integral to Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine, demonstrating the implications of strategic competition in cyberspace.


Cyberterrorism and the Threat to Global Security

Cyberterrorism has become a potent tool in the hands of state and non-state actors. The ability to disrupt critical infrastructures, spread misinformation, and compromise national defence systems places cyberterrorism at the top of the global security threat list. Countries like Russia and China have been accused of sponsoring or tolerating malicious cyber activities to advance their geopolitical interests. Here are some statistical data and additional information on the topic:

  • Malware Threats: Malware is one of the main cyber threats, with new malware being released every 0.05 seconds.
  • Phishing Attacks: 1 in every 3,125 emails contains a phishing threat.
  • Cost of Cyber Attacks: The cost of cyber attacks to businesses is estimated to be $6 trillion annually by 2021.
  • Attacks on Mobile Devices: 24,000 malicious mobile apps are blocked every day.
  • Ransomware Attacks: A ransomware attack occurs every 14 seconds.

Source: https://www.getastra.com/blog/security-audit/cyber-security-statistics/


IoT: The New Frontier of Digital Competition

The Internet of Things expands the digital battlefield. Each connected device is a potential entry point for hackers and a valuable data source. The ability to control IoT device networks can give state actors a significant advantage in terms of intelligence gathering, industrial espionage, and even military operations. The race for this advantage is in full swing, with nations heavily investing in IoT research and development. An example, among others, is China's positioning in Smart Devices:

  • China has shown interest in dominating the smart device market. Components manufactured in China in devices used in the US public safety network are designed to send information back to servers in China.
  • The growing presence of these components in various devices has raised concerns among American authorities as they could create a "backdoor" for malign actors from the Chinese government to access and potentially damage response devices.
  • The "Internet of Things" (IoT) is a rapidly growing technology. Cellular module data is seen as a "gold mine" for Chinese intelligence, which can analyse information from millions of devices to gain insights into events in the US.
  • China's national security laws require tech companies to share data with the country's intelligence services. Western experts are alarmed as this could be exploited by Chinese intelligence agencies.
  • In 2022, there were 202 million IoT connections in the US and 2.8 billion globally. The main manufacturers of these modules in 2022, Quectel and Fibocom, are Chinese and have close ties with the Chinese Communist Party.

The growing influence of China in the smart device market and the potential threat it poses to global security is an issue that needs to be addressed seriously by nations around the world. The combination of sophisticated cyber attacks and the ability to influence critical infrastructures through smart devices makes cyberterrorism a real and present threat.


Europe on the Global Chessboard

Europe, with its rich tradition of innovation and research, has a crucial role to play in this global competition. However, political and regulatory fragmentation has been a challenge. The European Union has made efforts to create a unified regulatory framework for cybersecurity and IoT, but implementation has been uneven among member states.

To effectively position itself on the global board, Europe needs to invest more in research and development, strengthen its cyber defences, and promote cooperation among member states. Additionally, Europe should seek strategic partnerships with other global players to promote safe cyber norms and practices.


Conclusion

The competition for digital information and control in cyberspace is one of the main dynamics of the 21st century. As technology advances, the importance of cyberspace will only increase. Countries and regional blocs that can navigate this complex and rapidly evolving environment effectively will be well-positioned to lead in the future. Europe, with its rich heritage and capabilities, has all the tools to be a leader in this domain, but it needs to act cohesively and decisively to secure its place on the global board and move out of its current crossroads.


Sources:

https://sgp.fas.org/crs/natsec/R43838.pdf

https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_briefs/RBA597-1.html

https://www.nato.int/docu/review/articles/2023/06/06/nato-and-strategic-competition-in-cyberspace/index.html


---