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RIPE NCC Warns of Unsustainable Cyberattack Surge

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Friday, January 30th 2026 at 15:23 GMT by Rhode Island Current
      Locales: NETHERLANDS, GERMANY, FRANCE, UNITED KINGDOM, UNITED STATES

Amsterdam, Netherlands - January 30th, 2026 - The Regional Internet Registry (RIPE NCC) today issued a dire warning, escalating concerns that the relentless surge in state-sponsored cyberattacks is rapidly approaching an unsustainable level, potentially jeopardizing the fundamental stability of the global internet. The organization, responsible for managing IP address allocation in Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Central Asia, reports a dramatic increase in both the frequency and sophistication of these attacks, placing immense strain on the collective defenses of the internet community.

For years, cybersecurity experts have cautioned about the increasing threat of nation-state actors operating in cyberspace. However, the RIPE NCC's recent observations, derived from their unique vantage point monitoring the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) - the crucial routing system that underpins the internet - paint a particularly alarming picture. Unlike typical opportunistic cybercrime, these attacks aren't solely motivated by financial gain. They are characterized by strategic objectives, ranging from espionage and data theft to outright disruption of critical infrastructure and potential geopolitical coercion.

The report details a shift in tactics. Initial attacks, often involving denial-of-service (DoS) and distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, have evolved into more nuanced and damaging operations. Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) sponsored by governments are increasingly targeting core network infrastructure, seeking to establish long-term access and control. This includes compromises of DNS servers, manipulation of routing tables, and even attempts to physically disrupt undersea cables - vital arteries of global communication. The sophistication lies not just in the technology employed, but in the careful reconnaissance and planning that precedes these attacks, often lasting months or even years before detection.

"The current trajectory is simply not sustainable," a RIPE NCC spokesperson emphasized in a press conference. "We are witnessing a level of activity that is stretching our resources, the capabilities of the entire internet community, and frankly, the resilience of the internet itself. Without a significant shift in approach, we risk a major disruption to the global internet, with potentially devastating consequences for economies, governments, and individuals."

One of the most significant challenges identified in the RIPE NCC report is attribution. State-sponsored actors are adept at obfuscating their origins, utilizing proxy servers, compromised systems in neutral countries, and constantly evolving malware to mask their digital fingerprints. This makes it incredibly difficult to definitively link attacks to specific nations, hindering efforts to hold perpetrators accountable and deter future aggression. The complexity of modern cyberattacks requires forensic investigations that are often time-consuming, expensive, and ultimately inconclusive. This lack of clear accountability creates a permissive environment for malicious actors.

Furthermore, the rise of 'hack-back' capabilities, where nations attempt to retaliate against perceived cyberattacks, adds another layer of complexity and risk. While the intention may be to deter future attacks, such actions can easily escalate into full-blown cyberwarfare, with unpredictable and potentially catastrophic consequences. The lack of internationally agreed-upon rules of engagement in cyberspace exacerbates this danger.

Responding to this escalating threat requires a multi-faceted approach. RIPE NCC is urging governments worldwide to prioritize international cooperation, sharing threat intelligence, and establishing clear norms of behavior in cyberspace. This includes agreements on what constitutes a legitimate cyber operation, prohibitions against targeting critical infrastructure, and mechanisms for resolving disputes peacefully. Increased investment in cybersecurity research and development is also crucial, as is the training of a skilled cybersecurity workforce.

Beyond governmental action, the report calls for greater collaboration between internet service providers (ISPs), network operators, and security researchers. Improved information sharing and coordinated incident response are essential for mitigating the impact of attacks and building a more resilient internet. RIPE NCC itself is expanding its threat intelligence services and working with partners to develop innovative defensive technologies.

The future of the internet hinges on addressing this growing threat. If left unchecked, the escalating pace of state-sponsored cyberattacks could erode trust in the digital world, stifle innovation, and ultimately lead to a fragmented and less secure internet. The warning from RIPE NCC is a clear call to action for all stakeholders to work together to safeguard this vital global resource.