No sector - whether financial, manufacturing or governmental - is immune to the growing threat of hackers. Cyber threat intelligence (the process of collecting and analysing information about current and potential cyber attacks) is helping the Belgian Defence to respond more quickly to cyber threats. "The task is not getting any easier, because the techniques used against us are more advanced every day," says Major General Michel Van Strythem, who leads the Cyber Command.
A complex threat landscape
The most visible incidents are DDoS attacks, which can temporarily shut down websites. Last autumn, several Belgian municipalities fell victim to this type of attack. “Because many local authorities use the same hosting partner, the servers became overloaded and their websites were inaccessible for a while.” Although the impact of these attacks was relatively limited, they still stirred up emotions. “And that is what some criminal groups are after. They want to incite fear and create a breeding ground for anti-Western feelings.”
Other threats also require attention. “Next to ransomware, phishing attacks and cyber intrusions with data exfiltration, a fourth major threat is coming our way: the abuse of our own infrastructure to carry out attacks on third countries,” Van Strythem continues. Such attacks can significantly undermine allied interests. “But they are very difficult to detect, especially in an increasingly complex landscape with ever-more advanced techniques. We have long since passed the point where traditional security measures could protect us.”
The Major General emphasises the importance of vigilance and cooperation in the fight against cyber threats. “We work closely with the academic world and the technology industry to strengthen our resilience. We continuously exchange information with European colleagues and with national authorities, such as the Centre for Cybersecurity Belgium and other partners. This allows us to respond more quickly to new developments and threats.”
Stronger through collaboration
By working together, Defence also aims to stay one step ahead in assessing future threats. “We make predictions based on hypotheses and by drawing out possible consequences. This analytical work is performed by a team, based on our own knowledge, public information, and input from our partners.” It’s an approach that has delivered results for Defence. “To name one, we exposed a network infrastructure that was being abused to launch attacks. After this discovery, we took action with the security services to better shield the network. In this way, we were able to avert an attack.”
This example illustrates the intense battle to stop cyber criminals. “The fight is certainly not getting any easier,” says Major General Van Strythem. “We are receiving an increasing volume of data and with everything being interconnected, we must take account of a growing number of variables. Artificial intelligence can be a valuable ally, but there as well it is crucial to share experiences via joint platforms. That is where the future lies, and as a country we will not shirk our responsibility.”