Tag: europe
217 articles
European Banks Face AI-Driven Cyber Threats, Urged to Accelerate Defenses
European banks are being urged to rapidly bolster their cyber defenses as AI-driven threats escalate, with the ECB's vice-chair warning that inaction is not an option. Banks must adopt bank-specific, risk-based measures and redouble efforts to identify vulnerabilities using existing AI tools.
UK Cybersecurity Market Booms as Government Targets Enhanced Resilience
The UK's cybersecurity market is thriving, generating £14.7bn in revenue and supporting nearly 70,000 jobs, with the government investing in its own defenses and setting national standards to boost resilience. This booming sector has seen a 20% surge in cybersecurity firms, now totaling 2,603, and a 17% annual increase in gross value added.
Poland Develops M28 Skytruck for Counter-Drone Role
Poland is taking a major step in its defense strategy by modifying its PZL M28 Skytruck aircraft to combat drones, with a contract in place to equip the plane with gun armament. The modification program is already underway, starting with the conversion of a prototype.
OpenAI Bolsters Europe's Cybersecurity With Model Access
OpenAI is ramping up Europe's cybersecurity game by granting restricted access to its cutting-edge vulnerability-finding model, GPT-5.5-Cyber, to dozens of European organizations through its new Trusted Access for Cyber program. This move will empower defenders to swiftly protect systems and respond to threats, while also addressing security concerns with greater transparency.
TrickMo Trojan Exploits TON Network for Android Pivots
Meet TrickMo C, a sneaky new variant of the Android banking trojan that's turning infected devices into programmable network pivots, allowing hackers to intercept sensitive data from banking and cryptocurrency wallet users in France, Italy, and Austria. This malicious software is packed with powerful tools, including reconnaissance, SSH tunnelling, and SOCKS5 proxying capabilities.
Latvian Defense Minister Resigns Amid Drone Response Failures
Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa has requested the resignation of Defense Minister Andris Sprūds, citing a loss of trust in his handling of recent drone airspace violations. The move comes after an extraordinary coalition meeting where Siliņa publicly expressed her and the public's lack of confidence in Sprūds.
Police Disrupt Relaunched German-Language Cybercrime Forum
In a major breakthrough, international authorities have shut down a notorious German-language cybercrime forum that had attracted over 22,000 users and 100 vendors peddling stolen data, drugs, and forged documents. A 35-year-old German national was arrested in Mallorca and faces charges for allegedly masterminding the illicit platform.
TrickMo Malware Adopts TON Blockchain for Covert Command-and-Control
Meet Trickmo.C, a sneaky new variant of the TrickMo Android banker that's been hiding in plain sight as a TikTok or streaming app, targeting unsuspecting users in France, Italy, and Austria since January. This cunning malware has evolved to use the TON blockchain for covert command-and-control, making traditional domain takedowns a thing of the past.
Rheinmetall Sees Sales Surge Amid Naval Expansion
Rheinmetall is riding a wave of success, with sales soaring to €1.9 billion in Q1 2026 - an impressive 8% jump from last year - as its naval expansion plans gain momentum. The company is optimistic about the future, predicting a significant growth spurt in Q2 fueled by large naval and automotive orders.
Meta Challenges Ofcom's Billion-Dollar Fine Formula
Meta is pushing back against Ofcom's hefty fine formula, calling it "disproportionate" and arguing that the regulator should ditch its practice of counting global revenue when doling out penalties. The tech giant is challenging the watchdog's approach, seeking a fairer way to calculate fines.
Europe Water downs AI Act Regulations Ahead of Enforcement
Europe's AI Act regulations just got a major update, with lawmakers agreeing to ease rules and delay enforcement to give innovators and startups a fair shot. The new deal sets a more relaxed timeline, with high-risk AI requirements now expected to kick in by December 2027.
Digital KYC Push Stalls on Trust and Liability Concerns
KYC is more than just verifying identity - it's a crucial process that requires trust and accuracy to prevent financial crimes. Governments and banks are working together to modernize identity data collection and reuse, with countries like the UAE, Europe, and Singapore launching innovative projects to streamline compliance and strengthen anti-money laundering efforts.
Australia's Defence AI Policy Threatens Cognitive EW Capabilities
Imagine a scenario where just 10 low-cost drones can render two battalions combat-ineffective in a matter of hours - a reality brought to life in recent NATO exercises where Ukrainian-led forces outsmarted and outmaneuvered their opponents using cheap, clever technology.
Stalkerware Breach Exposes Risks for Executives
A shocking stalkerware breach has exposed a treasure trove of sensitive information, including 86,859 images - seemingly screenshots from a single victim's device - used to secretly stalk a high-profile European entrepreneur and media personality. The alarming leak highlights the very real risks executives face in the digital age.
US Missile Plans for Germany Hang in Balance Amid US-Germany Rift
US plans to deploy long-range missiles in Germany are still on the table, despite reports suggesting their cancellation, with a German Defense Ministry spokesperson clarifying that there has been no definitive decision either way. The move's uncertain future has prompted European nations to consider alternative defense procurements.
Breaking Defense Launches European Edition
Get ready to stay ahead of the curve on all things European defense - Breaking Defense has just launched its brand-new European edition, your go-to source for the latest on defense tech, industry trends, and strategic shifts shaping the continent. Europe's defense landscape is being rewritten, and this site is here to bring you all the insights you need.
US Troops to Withdraw from Germany in Strategic Realignment
The US has announced plans to withdraw approximately 5,000 troops from Germany over the next year, following a thorough review of its European force posture. This strategic realignment is expected to be completed within six to twelve months.
French Teen Suspected in Mega-Breach at Secure Document Agency
A massive cyber security breach at France's secure document agency, ANTS, has led to the theft of 12-18 million lines of sensitive data, which was then offered for sale online. A 15-year-old French teen has been detained in connection with the leak, prompting the Paris Public Prosecutor's Office to launch a judicial investigation.
Europol Disrupts Albanian Investment Fraud Ring
In a major crackdown on investment scams, Europol and international authorities have dismantled a sophisticated Albanian investment fraud ring, arresting 10 suspects and seizing nearly €900,000 and 443 computers. The alleged scammers are accused of swindling victims out of at least €50m through their professionalized operation.
Belgium Pursues $1.3B Counter-Drone Systems Upgrade
Belgium is taking a major leap in defense tech with a whopping $1.3 billion counter-drone systems upgrade, aiming to bolster its security with cutting-edge tech. The 10-year project, with an option for two more years, is part of a long-term plan to deploy robust counter-drone systems.
EU Advances Mandatory Online Age Verification Despite Security Risks
The European Commission's recent findings have revealed that Meta failed to protect minors, with a staggering 12% of European children under 13 reportedly accessing Facebook or Instagram, sparking concerns over online safety. This has led to a push for mandatory online age verification, despite security risks.
Police Disrupt €50 Million Crypto Investment Fraud Ring
A massive €50 million crypto investment fraud ring has been dismantled thanks to a joint investigation by Austrian and Albanian authorities, supported by Europol and Eurojust, resulting in the arrest of 10 suspects and the seizure of cash and electronic devices. The alleged scammers, operating from call centres in Albania, left a trail of financial devastation across Italy, Germany, Greece, Spain, Canada, and the UK.
Global Military Spending Surges to $2.89 Trillion
Global military spending skyrocketed to $2.89 trillion in 2025 as nations worldwide ramped up their defenses in response to ongoing conflicts, rising tensions, and an increasingly unstable global landscape. Europe led the charge with a 14% surge in defense spending, reaching a staggering $864 billion.
Greece Eases Biometric Border Rules Amid Airport Delays
Greece has relaxed its biometric border rules for UK travellers, and will no longer collect fingerprints and photos as part of the Entry/Exit System (EES). The move comes as airport delays have mounted, and authorities aim to balance security with smooth traffic flow.