The urgency to defend digital infrastructure has never been greater across Europe. In the face of rising cyber threats and geopolitical tensions, Poland has emerged as a highly effective leader. Once viewed mainly as a cyberattack hotspot, the country now sets the pace in cybersecurity readiness, regulation, and response, both nationally and on the European stage.
This transition has not happened by chance. It’s the result of coordinated investment in technology, legislation, education, and international collaboration. Through deliberate strategy and a focus on operational readiness, Poland now serves as a model for how countries can turn persistent cyber pressure into a national advantage. As a result, it has become a top destination for cybersecurity operations, innovation, and outsourcing.
In this article, we explore Poland’s evolving threat landscape and key cybersecurity regulations, including the Cybersecurity Act and NIS2 implementation. We also examine the role of national institutions and talent, and how expert partners like Winged IT support global organizations with solutions developed and delivered in Poland.
Poland’s Cyber Threat Landscape
Poland is one of Europe’s most targeted countries for cyberattacks, which faced over 1,000 incidents per week in early 2024. Disruptive tactics range from ransomware that locks down hospitals to AI-driven phishing and election-related DDoS campaigns. Much of this is tied to Russia-linked APT groups like Winter Vivern, Sandworm, and KillNet, driven by sabotage, espionage, and disruption.
According to Statista, the number of cyber attacks in Poland increased from 50 incidents in 1996 to over 100,00 in 2024. Since 2011, the number of cybersecurity incidents has been continuously growing.
For example, in March 2025, the Polish Space Agency (POLSA) experienced a significant cyberattack that led to the immediate disconnection of its network from the internet to contain the breach and secure its systems. Poland’s strategic support for Ukraine has made it a bigger target, underlining the need for fast, well-funded, and coordinated cybersecurity operations across national and EU levels.
Cybersecurity Regulations Strengthening Poland
Poland has implemented one of the most comprehensive cybersecurity regulatory frameworks in the EU. The basis is the Polish Cybersecurity Act (KSC), which established the legal and organizational foundations for national cybersecurity. With the introduction of the updated NIS2 Directive, the framework is undergoing significant enhancements.
Key changes under NIS2 include:
- Expansion of critical sectors that must comply.
- Mandatory implementation of risk management and supply chain assessments.
- Stricter incident reporting timelines (24–72 hours).
- Designation of accountable security leadership at the executive level.
- Increased penalties for non-compliance, including fines and regulatory scrutiny.
These updates elevate cybersecurity from a technical matter to a strategic business priority, aligning Poland with broader European goals in that area.
Key Institutions: NASK, CERT Polska, and CSIRTs
Poland’s cybersecurity architecture is supported by a coordinated network of national organizations:
- NASK (Scientific and Academic Computer Network) oversees the national cybersecurity system and manages CERT Polska.
- CERT Polska is responsible for threat detection, response coordination, and public awareness campaigns.
- Three CSIRTs operate nationally: CSIRT GOV (government sector), CSIRT MON (military sector), and CSIRT NASK (civilian and commercial sectors).
These organizations collaborate closely to monitor threats, coordinate incident response, and conduct joint cybersecurity exercises. Their work is enhanced by partnerships with private sector firms, EU institutions, and global cybersecurity agencies.
Military Cyber Defense Capabilities
In addition to its civilian institutions and regulatory agencies, Poland has invested significantly in military cyber capabilities. The Cyber Defense Component Command (DKWOC) serves as the country's dedicated military unit for both offensive and defensive cyber operations. It plays a crucial role in safeguarding national defense infrastructure, participating in NATO-led international operations. DKWOC’s integration with Poland’s broader cybersecurity framework ensures seamless collaboration between military readiness and civilian digital protection efforts.
National Cybersecurity Strategy: 2019–2024 and Beyond
Poland’s first national cybersecurity strategy (2019–2024) laid the foundation for its cybersecurity transformation. It prioritized expanding operational capabilities, increasing public-private cooperation, and aligning national practices with EU directives. These efforts improved CSIRT operations, raised digital awareness, and enhanced readiness for emerging threats.
A new national strategy expected in 2025 is set to emphasize AI governance, workforce development, and protection of critical infrastructure. With this evolution, Poland aims to remain strong and become a cybersecurity innovation leader in Europe.
Legislative progress has kept pace. The Polish Cybersecurity Act, one of the EU’s early responses to digital threats, built the basis for national governance. With the updated NIS2 Directive, Poland is expanding this framework to cover more critical sectors, enforce stronger risk management, and require faster incident reporting. It also mandates executive-level responsibility and introduces higher penalties for non-compliance. These changes reposition cybersecurity as a core business priority and encourage more integrated, strong digital security practices across Polish organizations.
Polish Cyber Talent: Reputation and Reach
Poland’s cybersecurity workforce is central to its growing global influence in digital security. According to estimations, thousands of professionals work in cybersecurity across the country, forming a robust and competitive IT talent base. These specialists are highly qualified, with strong technical education, continuous training, and certifications like CISSP, CEH, and OSCP.
Polish experts are appreciated for their technical skills, understanding of global regulations, and fluency in English, making them key contributors in global cybersecurity teams. According to the English Proficiency Index, Poland ranks 13th out of 35 in Europe and 15th out of 116 countries worldwide. Many experts work at leading international companies and financial institutions, overseeing security operations and regulatory compliance.
Education plays a crucial role in this potency. Polish universities offer cybersecurity-focused degrees, while initiatives like the Cybersecurity Skills Academy provide upskilling and certification paths. Public-private partnerships and national awareness campaigns also help expand access to cybersecurity careers and ensure a steady increase in new talent. Poland is not only meeting its own cybersecurity needs but is also recognized globally as a source of trusted, high-quality expertise.
Poland's Global Recognition in Cybersecurity
Poland's position as a global cybersecurity leader is visible in international rankings. Polish teams excelled in NATO’s Locked Shields, taking third place in 2023, second in 2024 with a joint Polish–Finnish team, and second again in 2025 with a joint Polish-French team. They earned recognition for strong threat intelligence, legal coordination, and maintaining service continuity under attack.
Poland currently ranks third in the National Cyber Security Index (NCSI) and sixth globally in the MIT Cyber Defense Index — outpacing nations like the UK and Japan. These positions highlight its infrastructure quality and coordinated national strength.
Beyond operational success, Polish professionals shape global threat intelligence through research, technical publications, and vulnerability reporting. CERT Polska issues in-depth threat reports, while Polish researchers contribute to bug bounty programs, reinforcing the country’s role as a hub of cybersecurity innovation.
Why Poland Is Succeeding in Cybersecurity
Poland’s shift from one of Europe’s most frequently targeted nations to a cybersecurity leader stems from its real-world experience and strategic response. Years of persistent cyberattacks, especially from Russian-linked groups, have hardened its infrastructure and improved operational stability. This ongoing pressure not only tested Poland’s capabilities but also increased investment in tools, talent, and institutions.
At the heart of Poland’s success are proactive institutions and early alignment with EU cybersecurity directives. The legal framework encourages compliance, accountability, and information sharing. Importantly, collaboration across military, public, and private sectors is systemic, not occasional.
Poland’s cybersecurity ecosystem is defined by cooperation. It connects universities producing skilled talent, innovative tech firms, and public institutions that maintain durability. This cooperation helps Poland respond quickly to threats and reinforces contributions to European digital security.
These factors together form a cybersecurity environment rooted in strength, coordination, and agility, placing Poland among Europe’s digital defense leaders.
Cybersecurity Challenges and Priorities for the Future
Despite Poland’s rapid progress in cybersecurity, several pressing challenges remain that could impact future success and competitiveness.
- Talent shortage despite high skill level: Although Poland is home to a large and capable cybersecurity workforce, the demand for professionals continues to outpace supply. This is especially true for red team specialists and threat intelligence analysts. Expanding access to education and increasing upskilling opportunities through public and private initiatives will be critical.
- Uneven digital maturity: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often lack even basic cybersecurity policies, while some public administration bodies lag in their digital transformation. This creates vulnerabilities within the national ecosystem that must be addressed through improved training, awareness, and technology adoption.
- Keeping up with emerging technologies: As AI, 5G, IoT, and cloud infrastructure become more prevalent, Poland must ensure its regulatory and technical frameworks evolve just as rapidly. Agile policymaking and sustained investment in modern cybersecurity infrastructure will be key to staying ahead of new risks.
Addressing these priorities will require deepened public-private cooperation, long-term EU funding, and a renewed national focus on education, digital equity, and adaptive regulation.
What’s Next: Poland’s Role in European Cybersecurity
Poland is leveraging the EU’s support to enhance its cybersecurity capabilities. Under the Digital Europe Programme, new Security Operations Centers (SOCs) are being established, and large-scale training efforts are helping to close the skills gap. Initiatives like the Cybersecurity Skills Academy support workforce development and digital infrastructure upgrades.
Poland is also deepening collaboration with global tech leaders such as Microsoft and Google. These partnerships aim to strengthen cloud security, advance education programs, and counter threats like disinformation and election-targeted cyberattacks. This cooperation reinforces Poland’s role as a proactive partner in Europe’s digital strength.
As the president of the EU Council presidency in 2025, Poland is expected to prioritize digital sovereignty, protect critical infrastructure, and promote EU-wide cooperation on cybersecurity policy. These efforts reflect Poland’s growing responsibility not only to safeguard its own networks but to help shape an even better cybersecurity future for all of Europe.
Winged IT: A Polish Example of Global Cybersecurity Expertise
As global companies seek trusted outsourcing destinations, Poland has become a preferred choice over more traditional hubs, especially in cybersecurity roles where technical precision, compliance knowledge, and reliable communication are essential.
One example of a Polish company contributing globally is Winged IT, which supports a growing number of clients across the United States and Europe. The brands often choose Poland for their cybersecurity operations over locations like Southeast Asia. The reasons are clear: Polish specialists offer a rare combination of deep technical skill, fluency in international standards such as NIS2 or DORA, and the ability to integrate quickly into global teams.
“What our clients value most — especially in the US — is that our people don’t just execute tasks, they think strategically. They ask the right questions, challenge assumptions, and speak the same compliance language as the client's in-house teams,” says Wiktor Tarnawski, CEO of Winged IT.
The company stands out for delivering not only cybersecurity services but real operational value, rooted in the same core strengths discussed above: advanced certifications, real-world threat intelligence experience, and a strong culture of responsibility. This is why clients entrust Winged IT with high-stakes cybersecurity projects in sectors like finance, digital infrastructure, and healthcare.
Winged IT's Cybersecurity Services
The company delivers a wide range of cybersecurity services that support prevention, detection, and response. These include red team and blue team exercises to simulate real-world attack and defense scenarios, as well as advanced penetration testing to uncover vulnerabilities before threat actors do. Winged IT also offers incident response, security audits, and continuous SOC (Security Operations Center) support. All services are tailored to comply with frameworks such as NIS2, ISO 27001, DORA, and GDPR.
Talent Delivery and Custom Solutions
Winged IT provides cybersecurity professionals through flexible delivery models — whether project-based, long-term placements, or strategic partnerships. This adaptability allows clients to scale security resources quickly without compromising quality. Teams are experienced in high-stakes sectors like finance, healthcare, and logistics, and every expert is selected for both their technical skill set and alignment with client environments.
The Leading Polish Cybersecurity Brand
Beyond delivering services, Winged IT plays a broader role as an ambassador of Poland’s cybersecurity excellence. They help translate Polish expertise into global impact, bridging the gap between regional talent and international business needs. By consistently delivering high-quality outcomes, Winged IT contributes to Poland’s growing reputation as a European cybersecurity powerhouse, where expertise, strategy, and partnership come together to build stronger digital defenses. This mission aligns with the efforts of other initiatives like doITinPoland.com, which also work to showcase and promote the strengths of Poland’s IT and cybersecurity sectors internationally.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity today touches every part of how countries, governments, and companies function. And it’s not just a technical concern. In 2025 and beyond, Poland will be widely recognized as one of the EU’s most capable and trusted cybersecurity leaders to help all institutions meet the requirements and improve their protection efforts.
Thanks to a combination of legal frameworks, expert talent, institutional collaboration, and global partnerships, Poland offers an ecosystem built for strength. Companies like Winged IT help extend it internationally, providing agile, compliant, and scalable cybersecurity solutions from the heart of Europe. Looking to secure your digital infrastructure with Polish cybersecurity expertise? Winged IT is ready to support your journey. Let’s talk.
