EU cyber security agency Enisa has issued an information flash note entitled Cyber Attacks – A New Edge For Old Weapons that analyses and tracks recent cyberattacks.

The latest targeted cyberattacks on government organisations and high-profile companies show the need for greater awareness and knowhow in network and information security, says the EU’s European Network and InformationSecurity Agency.

The agency urges Europe’s businesses and government organisations to take urgent action to address cyber attacks. It highlights several issues such as cyber space’s lack of borders, failing security measures and the security issues of e-mail. It also makes several recommendations, for instance to focus more on prevention and to look at more secure communication solutions.

Commenting on the latest wave of cyberattacks, Enisa’s executive director Udo Helmbrecht said: “Well-known cyberattack methods, such as spear-phishing, are still very effective. However, much can be done to counter these attacks – by making users aware of traps, and by ensuring that better security measures are in place. In cyberspace, it is difficult to be sure where attacks originate, so the focus should be on preventing and mitigating attacks, regardless of where the attackers are based.”

As well as the cyberattack flash note, Enisa’s other recent publications include a comprehensive overview of the current cyber threat landscape. The flash note is available at www.enisa.europa.eu/media/press-releases/enisa-flash-note-cyber-attacks.