Transformation of NATO’s Security Paradigm and Budgetary-Financial Adaptation to New-Type Threats

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to provide a scientific basis for the transformation of NATO's security paradigm in the face of new types of threats in general and cyber threats in particular. Thearticle examines cyber defence as a key element of NATO's deterrence and defence strategy. New requirements for the protection of critical infrastructure of NATO member states are identified.Attention is focused on the rapid growth in the number of cyber incidents with political overtones on a global scale. The author analyses the dynamics of the number of cyberattacks with a political component in the world (government agencies, electoral systems, energy platforms, informationchannels of influence). The author identifies the growing role of hybrid instruments of influence, in particular, information and psychological operations (IPO), as one of the key vectors of destabilisation of democratic regimes. The distribution of cyberattacks in global economic sectors is made. The goals of Russian cyberattacks against other countries, including Ukraine, are identified. Itis proved that Russian hacker groups carry out numerous interventions in government systems, telecommunications infrastructure and energy facilities, which is confirmed by reports from Microsoft and Recorded Future. It is stated that government agencies remain among the main targets of Russian hacking campaigns, accounting for more than 33% of all attacks carried out by Russiangroups. It is estimated that more than 80% of NATO countries experienced at least one large-scale cyberattack on state or strategic facilities in 2023. The main vectors of cyber defence policy of the Alliance member states are analysed. It is proved that in the context of the rapid hybridisation ofconflicts, cyber operations are becoming an instrument of strategic blackmail, political pressure and violation of information sovereignty, which requires NATO to significantly strengthen its collective cyber defence. The necessity of establishing and the basic principles of the NATO Integrated Cyber Defence Centre are determined.