Summary:
The French National Cybersecurity Agency (ANSSI) reported a concerning rise in cyber threats throughout 2023. This coincides with ongoing geopolitical tensions and major international events planned for France in 2024. Espionage remained prevalent, with a noticeable increase in attacks targeting individuals and non-governmental organizations handling sensitive data. The report highlights a rise in mobile phone attacks aimed at specific individuals and a surge in operations linked to the Russian government. Ransomware attacks also saw a significant increase (30%) compared to 2022. Additionally, ANSSI identified new destabilization efforts aimed at influencing public discourse, disrupting online access, and damaging organizational reputations. While distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks were most common, pre-positioning activities targeting critical infrastructure in multiple continents were also detected, potentially foreshadowing larger-scale operations by state actors.

The report highlights a concerning trend: attackers are constantly refining their techniques to evade detection and attribution. Malicious actors are even leveraging common cybercriminal tactics for state-sponsored espionage. Furthermore, readily available tools and methods are being exploited to target vulnerable sectors despite existing security efforts. Traditional weaknesses persist, with attackers still capitalizing on unpatched vulnerabilities, poor security practices, and a lack of encryption. The upcoming major events in France, particularly the 2024 Olympic Games, are seen as potential opportunities for further attacks. These events, coupled with international tensions, raise the possibility of strategic cyber confrontations.

Security Officer Comments:
The ANSSI report serves as a stark reminder of the ever-escalating cyber threat landscape. The rise in cyberespionage, the resurgence of ransomware, and the emergence of destabilization campaigns highlight the need for heightened vigilance. The report emphasizes that basic security practices are crucial in mitigating these threats. Organizations should focus on improving threat detection capabilities, implementing robust backup and recovery plans, and staying updated on the latest vulnerabilities. Regularly monitoring resources like CERT-FR advisories is essential to maintain a strong cybersecurity posture.

The upcoming Olympic Games necessitate a heightened focus on national cybersecurity efforts. ANSSI's plans for a reinforced monitoring and incident response system are encouraging and demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding critical infrastructure. Looking ahead, the implementation of the NIS 2 directive will help regulate thousands of new entities and bolster their cybersecurity posture. Furthermore, continued international collaboration to dismantle cybercriminal networks is vital to disrupt malicious activities. By combining improved national defenses with international cooperation, France can better prepare for the evolving cyber threat landscape.

Suggested Corrections:
Combating Espionage & Evolving Tactics:

• Implement MFA and staff training on social engineering.
• Patch systems promptly and segment networks.
• Monitor network activity for suspicious behavior.

Bolstering Ransomware Resilience:

• Maintain regular backups (tested) and limit remote access (RDP).

Preparing for Disruption:

• Develop and test BCDR plans with offline communication channels.

Staying Informed and Proactive:

• Subscribe to security alerts, conduct threat modeling, and invest in security awareness training.

Link(s):
https://cyber.gouv.fr/en/actualites/anssi-publishes-2023-cyber-threat-overview