by LINAS JEGELEVIČIUS
The growing number of incidents highlights both the country’s vulnerability and its determination to strengthen resilience in the face of evolving risks. The most pressing challenge remains social engineering.
“Criminals exploit human error, manipulating individuals into revealing credentials or clicking on malicious links. Nearly six out of ten cyber incidents registered in 2024 stemmed from such tactics. Social engineering remains the simplest and most effective way to break into accounts, steal sensitive data or cause financial damage,” the Centre told the Baltic Business Quarterly (BBQ).
Statistics tell a stark story of escalation. In 2024, Lithuania registered 3,874 cyber incidents – an increase of 63% compared to 2023, when 2,378 cases were logged. In 2022, the figure was even lower. The upward trend is partly explained by greater public awareness and reporting, but it also reflects intensified hostile activity, including largescale campaigns linked to statesponsored hacktivist groups.
“We are seeing cybercriminals increasingly operate like businesses – coordinating attacks, sharing resources and even offering centralised attack services for hire,” says the NCSC.
Social engineering attempts are not only more numerous but also more creative. Between January and September 2024, the NCSC received almost 1,600 reports of phishing websites, nearly triple the number recorded during the same period in 2023. Fraudsters are constantly testing new schemes to lure victims
“Cybersecurity in the Baltic States is shaped by geography – we are constantly under pressure from neighbouring hostile actors,” the NCSC points out. This reality has made cyber defence one of Lithuania’s top national security priorities, reinforced by close cooperation with NATO, the EU and regional partners.
Artificial intelligence is playing a growing role in monitoring these threats. The NCSC’s Cyber Threat Management Department uses AI systems to scan for malicious activity and track public information flows, including social media.
This technology is seen as essential to staying ahead of increasingly automated threats. Despite progress, challenges remain. Lithuania performs strongly in global cybersecurity rankings thanks to its legal framework, technical capacity and timely transposition of the EU’s NIS2 Directive. It also consistently invests in specialist training and public education. Still, the NCSC warns that more must be done.
“We must prepare for quantumera threats, implement the Cyber Resilience Act and ensure AI is deployed safely and responsibly,” the Centre told the BBQ in summary.
As Lithuania braces for another year of heightened digital conflict, its approach combines vigilance, cooperation and innovation. By blending strong national frameworks with international partnerships, the country aims not only to defend itself but also to contribute to Europe’s collective cyber resilience.
