Cyberattacks are increasingly making headlines. In France, ANSSI handled 4,386 security events in 2024, up 15% from 2023. It’s a clear sign of a major challenge for all of Europe.
How do you build a digital society that’s both open and secure?
Part of the answer lies in a European approach to cybersecurity, combining technological innovation, public-private cooperation, and large-scale training in IT security.
In France, 67% of companies were hit by at least one cyberattack in 2024, up from 53% in 2023, according to a report by the company Hiscox. Phishing remains the most common threat at 60% of cases, followed by exploiting system vulnerabilities at 47%. Ransomware attacks also remain a concern. The 2024 Cyber Threat Panorama reports 144 incidents in 2024, a steady number but with evolving targets.
Many attempts to destabilize systems were reported, mainly by pro-Russian and pro-Palestinian hacktivist groups, according to ANSSI.
Europe is realizing that dependence on non-European tech players weakens collective security. This has led to a continental strategy to develop an autonomous European cyber ecosystem.
Investments in European cybersecurity grew around 12% in 2024, according to International Data Corporation (IDC), exceeding initial forecasts by 1.6 points. The increase reflects the rapid digital transformation of critical sectors like healthcare, finance, and industry.
With the NIS 2 Directive expanding cybersecurity obligations across new sectors. In December 2023, The European Commission allocated €214 million to strengthen collective resilience over the course of 2024.
Europe’s greatest vulnerability is not technical : it’s human
Worldwide, more than 2.5 million global cybersecurity vacancies are unfilled, including 350,000 in Europe. In France, demand is expected to double to 75,000 positions by 2025. This talent gap slows innovation and limits organizations’ ability to defend themselves effectively. To address this, Europe is investing heavily in training and expanding specialized programs.
Orange Cyberdefense: a Europe-first approach
With 3,200 experts across 16 countries, Orange Cyberdefense has become a European leader, protecting over 3,000 companies and public organizations, from SMEs to large industrial groups.
75% of attacks target mid-sized companies
These companies are often overlooked by US cybersecurity giants, but here’s where we’re in our element, as we’re able to offer a local, European approach. Our Security Operations Centers run 24/7 with teams on the ground speaking the clients’ language. We also invest heavily in R&D to develop AI-driven solutions that detect emerging threats.
The goal is to anticipate attacks rather than just respond to them.
Our sovereign solutions for sensitive clients are made possible by European data centers, ensuring critical data stays on the continent and out of foreign jurisdictions. More and more administrations and strategic companies are starting to turn to Orange, not just for our technology, but for what we represent: a credible European alternative.
Cybersecurity is a team sport to protect ourselves together. Digital sovereignty can’t just be talked about, we have to make it happen every day through responsible behavior and collective threat intelligence
Backed by strong economic growth, ambitious regulations, and innovative players like Orange Cyberdefense, a safer, more sovereign European cyberspace is taking shape. Challenges remain: talent shortages, market fragmentation, and competition from US and Chinese giants. But Europe has unique advantages: regulatory tradition, cultural diversity, and the ability to innovate collectively. With a market expected to be reach $100 billion by 2029, European cybersecurity is no longer just a vision, it’s a reality in the making. Every SME we protect, every specialist we train, and every innovation we develop contributes to building a more independent European cyber future.
