Cyprus is under the threat of cyberattacks due to geopolitical tension and its role as president of the European Council till the end of June, MPs heard on Monday during discussions at the House finance committee on the digital security authority budget.

Director of the authority Antonis Antoniades warned that Cyprus was going through a “difficult period” as cyberattacks had increased in frequency to become a daily phenomenon.

These attacks, he said, were now not just financial, but were linked to geostrategic interests, with the involvement of third countries and an increased danger of losing sensitive information, exacerbated by Cyprus’ EU presidency.

Antoniades said the authority was on constant operational alert and that addressing cybersecurity was a team effort, which demanded close cooperation with the defence and justice ministries and other services and departments.

Cyprus, he added, was among the five best countries in the EU regarding legislative framework for cybersecurity, however it lagged behind in other areas.

Despite the pressure, Cyprus is above the European average for cybersecurity in crucial infrastructure.

“But we are not 100 per cent fortified,” Antoniades pointed out.

He said there was much room for improvement and that the private sector was better protected than certain state departments, despite the progress recorded.

MPs also heard of situations in which ransom was demanded from state departments under attack.

Antoniades said that although the policy was not to succumb to demands for ransom, in some cases money was indeed paid.

Disy MP Savvia Orphanidou said the role of the authority was essential, especially in a time when artificial intelligence and cybersecurity took on a central role in national security and the economy.

She added that the authority should cease to purchase services and be staffed with permanent employees, a position echoed by Akel MP Andreas Kafkalias.

Replying, Antoniades said the positions have been approved but the process to fill them was slow.

He also referred to various campaigns and visits to schools, aiming at enhancing digital culture from a young age.