Not Just Indonesia: These Are the Countries Frequently Targeted by Hackers Attacking National Data Centers

Jakarta, INTI – Cyberattacks on national data centers have become a global concern, posing significant threats to data security, digital infrastructure, and public services. Not only Indonesia, but many other countries are also facing similar threats. Here are some of the countries that are frequently targeted by hackers attacking their national data centers.

United States

The United States is one of the most frequently targeted countries for cyberattacks. According to a report from the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), more than 3 million cyber incidents were detected in 2023. One of the most significant attacks was the ransomware attack on Colonial Pipeline in May 2021, which caused major disruptions in fuel distribution across the eastern US.

Additionally, the SolarWinds attack in 2020 highlighted the vulnerabilities in cybersecurity systems, even in technologically advanced countries like the United States. This attack affected various government agencies and private companies, resulting in billions of dollars in damages.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is also frequently targeted by cyberattacks, especially against critical infrastructure such as healthcare and transportation services. In 2017, the WannaCry ransomware attack infected over 230,000 computers in 150 countries, including the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK. This attack caused thousands of operations and medical appointments to be canceled, demonstrating the severe impact of cyberattacks on public services.

According to a report from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), the UK experienced a 20% increase in cyberattacks in 2023 compared to the previous year. This has prompted the UK government to increase investment in cybersecurity and build more resilient infrastructure.

Russia

Russia is not only known as a country often linked to cyberattacks but also as a target of such attacks. Despite the Russian government's stringent cybersecurity measures, attacks on data centers and critical infrastructure still occur. In 2022, a cyberattack on the energy company Gazprom caused significant disruptions in energy distribution across Europe.

According to a report from Kaspersky Lab, Russia experienced over 1.8 million cyberattacks in 2023, with primary targets being the energy, telecommunications, and government sectors. This shows that even countries with advanced security technology are not immune to cyber threats.

China

China is also frequently targeted by cyberattacks, particularly against government data centers and systems. In 2023, an attack on China's government email systems resulted in the leakage of sensitive data. According to a report from the China National Computer Network Emergency Response Technical Team (CNCERT), the country experiences over 2 million cyber incidents annually.

These attacks often aim to steal confidential data and critical information, which are then used for various purposes, including espionage and identity theft. The Chinese government has stepped up efforts to strengthen cybersecurity by building more sophisticated detection and response systems.

India

India is also not immune to cyberattacks, with government and technology companies being the primary targets. In 2023, a ransomware attack on India's government network systems caused major disruptions to public services and critical infrastructure. According to a report from the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), India experienced over 1.5 million cyber incidents in 2023.

To address this issue, the Indian government has adopted various measures to enhance cybersecurity, including building a cyber security operations center and raising awareness about the importance of good security practices among internet users.

Indonesia

Indonesia recently experienced the Brain Cipher ransomware attack targeting the Temporary National Data Center (PDNS) 2 in Surabaya. This attack affected 282 tenants, including various ministries and government agencies. The attack highlighted that Indonesia is also a significant target for hackers, especially given its rapid digital economic growth.

According to a report from the National Cyber and Encryption Agency (BSSN), Indonesia experienced over 1.2 million cyber incidents in 2023, with the government and financial sectors being the main targets. The Indonesian government is now working to strengthen cybersecurity by improving digital infrastructure and building more effective detection systems.

Cyberattacks on national data centers are a global threat that requires serious attention from all countries. Although various measures have been taken to enhance cybersecurity, these threats continue to evolve in increasingly sophisticated ways. International collaboration and increased investment in cybersecurity technology are essential steps to protect data and digital infrastructure from escalating threats.

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