Cybersecurity threats are on the rise worldwide, with cloud vulnerabilities increasing at an alarming rate.
Research by IBM’s X-Force reveals that the number of global cloud vulnerabilities more than doubled in just four years, surging from 1,700 in 2019 to 3,900 in 2023. These weak points in cloud systems pose serious risks to data security and privacy.
The Balkans: Europe’s Cybersecurity Weak Spot
New research highlights that the Balkans is the most vulnerable region in Europe when it comes to cloud security breaches. A ranking by cloud security company Kloudle has identified Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Albania as the continent’s most at-risk nations.
Bosnia and Herzegovina tops the list with a 71% risk score. The country has experienced nearly nine million cloud breaches in the past two decades, making it the most exposed relative to its size. Additionally, it has the lowest cybersecurity preparedness score in Europe.
Serbia and Albania follow closely, with risk scores of 69% and 67%, respectively. However, unlike Bosnia, these countries have higher levels of cybersecurity preparedness, which somewhat reduces their overall exposure.
UK and Italy Among the Most Attacked Countries
While the Balkans struggle with cybersecurity infrastructure, some of Europe’s largest economies also face significant threats. The United Kingdom ranks fourth on the list due to its high number of cloud breaches—estimated at over one billion in the past 20 years.
Italy is another European country at high risk, with nearly 800 million estimated breaches. However, unlike the Balkans, Italy has a strong defense mechanism, scoring 88 out of 100 in cybersecurity preparedness.
The Need for Stronger Cybersecurity Measures
Experts emphasize the need for immediate action to strengthen cybersecurity in vulnerable regions. Kloudle’s CEO, Akash Mahajan, warns that the security gaps in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and other vulnerable nations must be addressed to prevent large-scale cyber threats.
“We must prioritize cybersecurity education and implement robust data protection measures as we continue to rely more heavily on cloud technologies,” says Mahajan. “This includes regular security audits, employee training programs, and adopting advanced encryption technologies.”
With cloud-based systems becoming an essential part of modern infrastructure, European nations must take proactive steps to strengthen cybersecurity. Addressing vulnerabilities now will help protect sensitive data and prevent large-scale breaches in the future.
The Information is Collected from Euronews and MSN.
