According to Microsoft, Ukraine became one of the countries whose organizations and users suffered the most cyberattacks in the first half of 2025. The country accounted for about 9,5% of the total number of victims in the European region.
According to Microsoft, Ukraine became one of the countries whose organizations and users suffered the most cyberattacks in the first half of 2025. The country accounted for about 9,5% of the total number of victims in the European region.
Microsoft has released its new Microsoft Digital Defense Report 2025, which finds that over 52% of cyberattacks with known motives are driven by extortion and ransomware, while cyberespionage accounts for only 4%.
Cybercriminals, rather than state actors, are primarily exploiting vulnerabilities for financial gain. In 80% of cases, the attackers’ goal is to steal data, highlighting the global nature of this threat.
«Every day, Microsoft processes more than 100 trillion security alerts, blocks approximately 4.5 million new malware attack attempts, analyzes 38 million user account risk detections, and scans 5 billion emails for malware and phishing threats», the report says.
Its authors argue that cybersecurity is a strategic priority, not just the task of the IT department.
«Despite enormous challenges, Ukraine is rapidly transforming and becoming a leader in cybersecurity. By accelerating the adoption of cloud technologies, applying AI to protect critical infrastructure, and driving innovation, the country is building a digital resilience that inspires far beyond its borders», said Renate Strazdina, Microsoft CTO for the NTO Europe North Multi-country Cluster.
Microsoft says hospitals, schools, and local governments are increasingly being targeted because they store sensitive data and have limited resources for cybersecurity. This leads to delays in medical care, disruptions to education, and disruptions to transportation systems. Ransomware attackers exploit these vulnerabilities, as these organizations are often quick to pay ransoms to restore operations.
The Microsoft Digital Defense Report 2025 also indicates that Russia: is expanding attacks beyond Ukraine, particularly against small businesses in NATO countries, using them as entry points to larger organizations.
Both cybercriminals and cybersecurity professionals are increasingly using artificial intelligence. Cybercriminals are using it to automate phishing and create artificially generated content, while cybersecurity professionals are using it to improve threat detection and increase user security.
Earlier, the Head of the State Special Communications Service, Oleksandr Potiy, spoke about the shortage of cybersecurity specialists. According to him, it amounts to tens of thousands of specialists.
Recently, the Federation of Military-Technological Sports of Ukraine and SET University signed a memorandum of strategic cooperation aimed at developing cybersecurity through educational programs, CTF (Capture The Flag) competitions, and preparing Ukrainian athletes to participate in international tournaments.
