Poland warns of rising cyber fraud and attacks targeting citizens and businesses

Polish authorities report a sharp increase in cyber incidents, with over 272,000 cases handled last year – a 144% rise from the previous year. The surge includes sophisticated fraud schemes that spoof the government’s mObywatel app, sending fake SMS messages that appear to be official notifications of traffic fines and prompting victims to enter payment details, potentially draining their bank accounts.

The government’s cybersecurity units, including CERT Polska and NASK, are urging stronger defensive measures. At the Atende Security Forum 2026 in Warsaw, officials highlighted a strategic shift from mere prevention to building cyber‑resilience, emphasizing new EU regulations such as NIS2 and DORA that place direct responsibility on corporate boards. Speakers warned that artificial intelligence is driving a wave of attacks, including ransomware‑as‑a‑service and exploits that bypass corporate email filters.

Investments are being accelerated through programmes such as “Cyberbezpieczny Samorząd”, “Cyberbezpieczne Wodociągi” and “Cyberbezpieczny Rząd”, channeling hundreds of millions of zlotys into strengthening the security of municipalities, water utilities and government systems. The rising threat landscape affects both private citizens and enterprises across Poland.