Cyber attacks on the rise in the Baltics

The number of cyber attacks against Baltic countries continued to grow during the ''Steadfast Jazz 2013'' military exercises, reports LETA.

"The growing number of cyber attacks and attempted attacks against state administration and private sector homepages confirms that the exercise has raised serious concerns among the alliance's ill-wishers. This in turn increases the importance of the exercise and our readiness to respond to various security challenges," Latvian  Defense Minister Artis Pabriks said.

Pabriks added that IT attacks against Baltic websites indicates that Latvia must seriously consider strengthening information security and means to inform the public about cyber security matters.

"I am convinced that, by establishing a cyber defense unit at the Home Guard, we are heading in the right direction - it is a self-evident continuation of developing our capabilities in information security matters with experienced and professional human resources," said the minister.