The conversation around defence is no longer confined to military and government circles. With an unprecedented rise in global conflicts—the highest since World War II—and the increasing diversity of security threats such as cyberattacks, disinformation, AI exploitation, and hybrid warfare, the imperative for enhanced defence readiness is undeniable.
Defence readiness now requires a deeper understanding of digital threats.
Cyberattacks, hybrid warfare, and disinformation campaigns are increasing in frequency and sophistication, yet response mechanisms remain slow and underdeveloped.
In the second quarter of 2024, cyberattacks rose by 30% year-over-year globally, with organisations facing an average of 1,636 attacks per week.
The targets are no longer just government institutions but critical infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, and financial institutions.
These threats are not hypothetical.
In 2023 alone, 2,207 US institutions, from healthcare providers to schools, were directly impacted by ransomware attacks.
The scale of these incidents is growing, with hybrid warfare tactics becoming more prominent.
France, Germany, and Taiwan have all reported disinformation campaigns designed to destabilise electoral processes or disrupt telecommunications.
The rise of hybrid warfare was starkly illustrated in China’s cyberattacks on Taiwan’s telecommunications during military manoeuvres in 20236.
Cybercrime’s projected global cost—€9.5 trillion annually by 20257 —underscores the need for a comprehensive global defence strategy that integrates cybersecurity with traditional defence.
Cyberattacks, hybrid warfare, and disinformation campaigns are increasing in frequency and sophistication, yet response mechanisms remain slow and underdeveloped.
The NATO Defensive Cyber Operations initiative and the UK’s Cyber Growth Partnership are examples of how public-private alliances can protect critical infrastructure and ensure business continuity.
As businesses increasingly rely on interconnected systems, understanding and mitigating these digital threats will be crucial for both national security and corporate stability.
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