Cybersecurity is undoubtedly one of the key topics of today. This is confirmed by the upcoming world exhibition, EXPO 2025, where cybersecurity will be one of the themes that will undoubtedly resonate in Osaka. Cyberspace, whose importance in everyday life continues to grow, is increasingly becoming a target of various attacks and threats.
According to experts from the National Cyber and Information Security Agency (NÚKIB), cybersecurity in Czechia, as well as worldwide, is still sometimes underestimated—not only by the general public. “As our society increasingly relies on information and communication systems, the risks associated with cyber threats continue to grow. Cyberspace provides attackers with greater anonymity and the ability to target a wider range of victims. This means that the danger is not just theoretical; it is a real threat to all of us,” says Lukáš Kintr, Director of the National Cyber and Information Security Agency.
Czechia Among the Most Targeted Countries in Europe In recent years, Czechia has been hit by numerous cyberattacks, with DDoS attacks carried out by the pro-Russian hacktivist group NoName057(16) being particularly prevalent. This group has repeatedly targeted Czech institutions, especially in response to developments related to Ukraine. “Czechia was among the most affected European countries by this actor,” Kintr adds.
To strengthen its cybersecurity resilience, Czechia must not only invest in technology but also raise awareness of cyber threats among its citizens. To support education and awareness, NÚKIB is offering free cybersecurity e-learning courses this year for various target groups—from the general public to specialists in the field. “Unfortunately, one of the biggest challenges is the lack of experts. On a global scale, this is an issue that Czechia and its international partners are working to address. Cybersecurity is not just about data protection—it is a matter of national security,” Kintr warns.
Private Sector Under Fire from Hackers In addition to targeting government institutions, hackers are logically focusing on the private sector, where the potential for financial gain—mainly through extortion and ransom payments—is higher. According to Michaela Stonová, Security Director at OKsystem, a company that designs tailored IT solutions for both government and commercial clients, firms with more than a few dozen employees must spend at least several million crowns annually on cybersecurity.
“This is not just a one-time investment in technology but an ongoing process that affects the entire company. The best defense is prevention, which means having well-secured systems, rehearsed crisis scenarios, and educated employees. Moreover, even the most advanced technology does not function without human intervention. And there is still a shortage of cybersecurity professionals in the job market,” confirms Michaela Stonová, echoing the words of Lukáš Kintr.
Radovan Slaný, Commercial Director at AXENTA, a company specializing in comprehensive security solutions and services, explains that hackers most commonly use ransomware attacks against the private sector. In these cases, they encrypt a company's data and demand a ransom for decryption. Another common attack method is phishing—fraudulent emails or messages designed to trick employees into revealing sensitive information. Additionally, there are DDoS attacks, where attackers overwhelm websites with massive traffic until they crash.
“Unfortunately, in 2024, the number of cyberattacks in Czechia surged dramatically—by roughly a third compared to the previous year. Looking ahead, we expect attacks to become increasingly complex, incorporating advanced techniques such as deepfake technology and AI-generated phishing messages,” Slaný explains. He also notes that cybercriminals have significantly increased their activity compared to the previous year, leading to more precise and highly personalized attacks.
EXPO 2025 and Cybersecurity: New Challenges in the Digital World The upcoming EXPO 2025 will be marked by technological and scientific innovations, with cybersecurity being one of the key discussion topics. “Cybersecurity is the foundation for the development of all modern technologies, which is why it is one of the themes of Czechia’s participation at EXPO. As we embrace new technological challenges, we must ensure that our systems are adequately protected. Without a secure cyberspace, we cannot expect progress in other fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum technology, or the Internet of Things,” says Ondřej Soška, Commissioner General of Czechia’s participation at EXPO 2025.
“Without a strong partnership between the public and private sectors—one that includes investment in research and development—it will not be possible to respond effectively to cyber threats. At EXPO 2025, we will work with experts to find ways to ensure a secure digital environment for future generations. Furthermore, we are still open to Czech companies specializing in cybersecurity that are interested in becoming our partners and supporting this crucial topic,” Soška invites.
A cybersecurity and data protection conference will be held at the Czech National Pavilion on April 22–23, 2025.
The Future of Cybersecurity: A Proactive Approach is Key In the coming years, a proactive approach to cybersecurity will be essential. As recent cases have shown, cyberattacks are increasingly targeting sensitive sectors such as energy, healthcare, and infrastructure. The European Union is responding to this situation with regulations such as NIS2, which aims to establish a minimum level of cybersecurity across member states.
“If Czechia wants to be prepared for the challenges of the future, it is crucial to continue building a strong cybersecurity infrastructure and ensuring security in the digital space, which has become an inseparable part of our daily lives,” concludes Kintr.
