Did you know that there is a cyber-attack every 39 seconds? That is an average of 2 244 times a day globally, causing damage to the economy, hurting businesses, and affecting our personal lives!

Cybercrime is more present than ever before – phishing, hacking, business email compromise, carding, ransomware, data leaks and other cyber threats are among the biggest global risks of the decade. By 2021 it is forecasted that the global cost of the world’s cybersecurity is going to be over 5 trillion EURO.  At the same time, about 80% of companies do not even have a response plan to a cyber-attack and it takes them months to even detect a breach. 

The current COVID-19 pandemic makes this even more of a challenge. More than ever we rely on computer systems and the internet for work, studying, shopping, or communicating, and many of us may also be more distracted while online due to stress or just more people around at home.  This makes us more vulnerable.

This is why one of the top priorities of the EU is to make the internet a safer place for everyone. That means protecting our data while we browse and safeguarding key infrastructure from cyberattacks.  

The EU is acting globally, but also locally. In Georgia, the EU is working with state institutions to develop a strong and sustainable cybersecurity and cybercrime policy. The EU provides up to 8 million GEL to strengthen institutional capacities to combat organised crime. Recent cyber-attacks against Georgian institutions are vivid reminders of the necessity to continue ensuring security in cyberspace and strengthen security cooperation. 

But cybercrime is also a personal issue, so the EU together with the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia, is launching an awareness-raising campaign on Cybersecurity to encourage everyone to ‘ThinkB4UClick’. 

Digital skills make the world go round. Let’s get acquainted with the essential digital preventive skills and contribute to building a safer digital space in Georgia.

Stay tuned and gain digital skills to prevent yourself from cyber-attacks. Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility!