Cybersecurity in Slovakia: How to Protect Against Growing Threats?

In discussion about these attacks, the need for protection and security against such threats also emerges. Various companies, from small businesses to large corporations, must take the protection of their data seriously. Cybersecurity representatives warn that attacks can lead not only to financial losses but also to damage to the reputation and credibility of organizations.

Cyber Attacks in Slovakia

Slovakia faces thousands of cyber attacks weekly. Data protection is essential for business operations. Cybersecurity requires compliance with legislation and regulations.

Statistics and Vulnerabilities

In the last six months, Slovakia has recorded an average of 1,443 cyber attacks per week on one organization. These attacks are mostly automated, with attackers using various robotic tools and botnets to test system vulnerabilities. The attackers' primary goal is to obtain money or sensitive data that can be subsequently misused.

The profit from these attacks can include not only financial resources but also obtaining personal or business information. If an attack occurs, organizations often lose credibility and reputation by being unable to secure their employees' or clients' data protection.

Types of Attacks and Criminal Objectives

Cybercriminals target various organizations and use diverse methods. Common attack types include ransomware - where attackers encrypt data and demand ransom to unlock it. Phishing is an attempt to obtain confidential information through fraudulent emails. DDoS attacks overload servers to disrupt services.

Importantly, all organizations, regardless of size, are potential targets. Organizations can lose money, data, or even the trust of their clients, which has long-term negative consequences.

Securing Against Cyber Threats

Reputation and Data Protection

Slovakia encounters a high number of cyber attacks, averaging 1,443 per week for one organization. These attacks are often automated and focus on testing vulnerabilities. Attackers have various objectives, including obtaining sensitive information such as employees' and clients' personal data.

It is crucial for organizations to protect their reputation and data. Information misuse can lead to loss of credibility and image, which is particularly serious for companies processing large volumes of personal data. For example, if a company were to change banks and an attacker sent a false email, it could cause significant damage to all involved parties.

Prevention and Remedial Measures

To protect against cyber threats, strong security is necessary. International guidelines like NIS2 create a framework for cybersecurity. Each state must adapt the requirements of these guidelines to its own legal regulations.

Slovak cybersecurity laws may differ from other countries, but their implementation was one of the best in Europe. Companies should regularly update their security procedures and employee training to prevent attacks and ensure data protection.

Global Cybersecurity Context

Comparison with Other Countries

Slovakia encounters an average of 1,443 cyber attacks weekly per organization. Attackers within these attacks often use automated systems that examine vulnerabilities in organizations. Every country faces cyber threats, but attack intensity varies. For example, in more developed countries like Germany and the United States, identity theft is much more common than in Slovakia.

Additionally, countries differ in their approaches to data protection and cybersecurity. In Slovakia, even though attacks are not as frequent, it is important for organizations to secure themselves against risks. Identity and well-managed data are key to protecting company reputations.

International Cooperation

The European Union attempts to unify cybersecurity approaches through the NIS 2 directive. Each country must adapt its laws according to this directive, leading to different implementations across states. Slovakia has a reputation for good transposition of this directive, which helps improve its cybersecurity.

By cooperating with other member states, Slovakia can share information and experiences, which strengthens collective defense against cyber threats. Given developments, Slovakia should remain flexible and current concerning new standards like NIS 3, which come with new requirements and norms.

Regulations and Legislation

NIS Directive and National Law Transposition

Europe introduced the NIS directive, which was replaced by an improved NIS 2 version. This measure is important for protection against cyber threats. Each state must create its own law that reflects NIS 2 directive requirements into national law. This means the Slovak cybersecurity law will differ from those in other countries like the Czech Republic or Austria.

The NIS 2 directive provides a framework for cybersecurity in the EU. Each member state must submit its own law, with Slovak transposition being among the best in Europe.

Updates and Legal Norm Expansion

The NIS 2 directive expanded the number of organizations that must comply with security measures. Previously, this did not apply to manufacturing companies like automotive manufacturers, which are very significant in Slovakia. Currently, protection steps are needed in these sectors.

Key changes in NIS 2: more organizations are subject to regulation, industry specifics are considered (like the automotive sector), planned NIS 3 directive updates for adaptation to new threats.

Industry Impact

Manufacturing and Automotive Sector

In Slovakia, cyber attacks also affect the manufacturing sector, primarily the automotive industry. This sector is one of the most significant in the country. Approximately 200 companies are involved in the manufacturing chain. These companies employ a large number of people and process numerous sensitive data.

Automobile manufacturers and suppliers are often targets of automated attacks. These attacks attempt to gain access to sensitive information or disrupt production processes. Attackers focus on system vulnerabilities to obtain financial or other advantages.

Consequences for Medium and Large Enterprises

Medium and large enterprises in the automotive industry face serious challenges due to cyber threats. Attack consequences can lead to loss of customer credibility and trust. When a security breach occurs, companies must face reputation damage, which can have long-term effects on their trading.

Moreover, companies must invest in protection against such threats. This can include implementing new technologies and training employees in cybersecurity. Although protection costs can be high, prevention of cyber attacks is essential for maintaining stability and success in this growing industry.

Future of Cybersecurity

Upcoming Tools and Innovations

Slovakia faces frequent cyber attacks. On average, this involves 1,443 attacks weekly per organization. These attacks are mostly automated, with botnets testing system vulnerabilities. Attackers aim to obtain valuable data, money, or gain system control. Attacks can take various forms, including data encryption and ransom demands.

Organizations becoming victims lose credibility. Even small companies managing employee and client personal data are at risk. It is important to be aware of these factors and secure against potential threats.

European directives like NIS 2 define cybersecurity requirements. Each state implements these requirements differently, leading to diversity in regulations. New regulations expand obligations to the manufacturing sector, including automotive manufacturers.

New tools and approaches to threat protection are also being prepared. This process is essential for organizations to stay safe from continuously evolving cyber threats.

Source: Ministerstvo dopravy SR. 2025. “DOPRAVA BUDE BEZPEČNEJŠIA.” YouTube, March 23, 2025. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrbPAns7o5A.

Accessed: 27. 3. 2025