Athens, Greece – Greece is facing a significant increase in cybercrime, exacerbated by the capabilities of artificial intelligence, according to Michael Bletsas, commander of the country’s National Cyber Security Authority. Bletsas also issued a stark warning that Greece is already embroiled in a digital conflict between East and West, a situation he described as a form of hybrid warfare.
AI Fuels Cybercrime Surge
Speaking on the current state of digital security, Bletsas noted that while Greece has not experienced the physical sabotage, infrastructure attacks, or severed undersea cables seen in regions like the Baltic, cybercrime remains a pervasive threat. “Right now, what is most visible is cybercrime,” Bletsas stated. He elaborated on the nature of these attacks, mentioning a rise in “cyberactivism, vandalism, if you like-mostly denial-of-service attacks, but which do not leave permanent damage and are quite easily dealt with.”
However, the commander emphasized the growing sophistication and volume of these threats. “We have quite a lot of cybercrime, which is increasing more and more because the use of artificial intelligence gives additional capabilities to criminals. Right now, we are seeing a big increase in attacks, and of course, we have a lot of espionage,” he added, underscoring the evolving landscape of digital threats.
Greece: An Unavoidable Participant in Digital Warfare
A central theme of Bletsas’s remarks was the impossibility of neutrality for Greece in the escalating digital divide between East and West. He firmly asserted that such neutrality is not an option for the nation. “Athens has to deal with an additional aggressive neighbour from the east, which the rest of our European partners don’t seem to perceive as so hostile,” Bletsas pointed out, hinting at geopolitical complexities that directly impact Greece’s digital security posture.
He drew a crucial parallel between physical and digital security, stressing their inherent interconnectedness. “Separating the physical from the digital world is one and the same. The nervous system is more extensive than what we have in the real world. Therefore, we should think of security in the same terms as we think of it in the physical world. Only then will we be safe,” Bletsas explained, advocating for a holistic approach to national security.
The Present Reality of Digital Conflict
Bletsas’s warnings are not about a future threat but a present reality. He reiterated that digital warfare is not merely on the horizon; it is actively happening now. Greece’s current involvement in this digital conflict raises critical questions regarding its alliances, its level of preparedness, and the specific terms of its engagement in this new form of warfare. The commander’s statements underscore the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures and strategic planning in the face of these sophisticated and persistent threats.
The insights provided by Michael Bletsas highlight a complex and challenging environment for Greece, where technological advancements like AI are being weaponized, and geopolitical tensions are manifesting in the digital realm. The nation’s position as a key player on the eastern border of Europe makes its role in this digital conflict particularly significant.
Source: https://greekcitytimes.com/2025/12/07/ai-cybercrime-greece-digital-war/
