Romania's digital crossroads: Cybersecurity strength and VPN rise
Romania is becoming a digital leader in Central and Eastern Europe, as its internet penetration rate stood at 76.8 percent in 2023, and its cybersecurity market has reached 194.22 million dollars as of this year. Nevertheless, behind these…
Romania is becoming a digital leader in Central and Eastern Europe, as its internet penetration rate stood at 76.8 percent in 2023, and its cybersecurity market has reached 194.22 million dollars as of this year. Nevertheless, behind these successes, there are difficulties, including increasing risks of cyber threats. Our team has delved into the possibility of how the high score of 76.29 indicates progress and gaps in Romania and how users can take better control of their online safety.
Romania’s Digital Landscape: A Hub of Connectivity
Romania has one of the fastest internet networks in the world, thanks to its highly advanced fiber-optic network. Romania led Central and Eastern Europe in data centers in 2023, with only Russia beating it, surprisingly. Romanians love the internet — an estimated 19 million people, or 76.8 percent of the country, are online — from ecommerce websites to streaming sites like Digi Online.
This level of activity promotes innovation but also brings threats. The Global Cybersecurity Index in 2023 placed Romania at 76.29, considering achievements such as the National Directorate for Cybersecurity's (DNSC) efforts and the national strategy for 2022-2027. A high ranking does not, however, translate to total safety for all users. Most still do not know how to safeguard their data, so let us discuss that next.
Hidden Threats in an Interconnected World
The situation is only swirling, yet Romania is making the best of combating it with its cybersecurity equipment. Cyberattacks increased by 22 in 2022, with nearly one-third (35) being ransomware, a quarter (25) DDoS, and approximately 21 phishing. Approximately 6,000 hits were made by Trojan viruses, and more than 4,000 phishing attempts were made. The figures indicate that despite the formidable national security, small enterprises and common users are not free of danger.
Moreover, the European Electronic Communications Code (EECC) was introduced in 2021, which expanded the surveillance opportunities even to the interception of encrypted data in the case of using outdated protocols. It merely goes to show that personal initiative is needed — reliance on government action alone is like shutting the front door but leaving the windows wide open.
The main dangers that Romanians have to contend with online are:
- Phishing attacks: A message or email that dupes users into leaking their personal information;
- Ransomware viruses: Viruses that encrypt your computer unless you pay them;
- Data breach: Viruses that steal your personal or financial data.
Open Wi-Fi networks in cafes and other public places are particularly dangerous. Public networks are simple targets for hackers without the use of encryption. These risks pose a threat to everybody. But you can
