The evolving landscape of cybercrime, and the increasingly sophisticated methods employed by criminals, were the focus of a recent event hosted by the Hellenic Police Cybercrime Prosecution Directorate in Athens. The event, timed to coincide with International Safe Internet Day, underscored a growing concern within Greece – and globally – about the weaponization of artificial intelligence in malicious online activity.
The event began with a striking video featuring Greek Minister of Citizen Protection, Michalis Chrysochoidis, urging citizens to “disconnect their security systems and turn off their mobile phones for 48 hours due to a cyberattack.” According to a statement from the event, the video was designed to “impressively demonstrate how artificial intelligence can be used for both good and evil, realistically capturing the possibilities of deception, manipulation, and intimidation of citizens.”
Chrysochoidis emphasized the need for a collective defense, stating, “Today we are here to strengthen our collective defense, to ensure that technology remains an ally of ours, of society and of democracy.” He highlighted a significant increase in online fraud, specifically pointing to the dangers of deepfake videos which, he said, distort reality. He further characterized cybercrime as a core component of organized crime, possessing a distinctly international character.
The Minister’s remarks come at a time when Greece is experiencing a surge in cyberattacks. According to data cited by The Wealthy Backpacker, the Hellenic National Computer Security Incident Response Team (GR-CSIRT) reports over 3,200 cyberattacks daily within Greece. This represents a 347% increase in cybersecurity incidents between 2019 and 2022, with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) disproportionately targeted – 78% of all attacks, yet only 23% have adequate security measures in place.
Chrysochoidis called for vigilance from all stakeholders – authorities, ministries, organizations, and companies – asserting that “with strategy, political will, expertise, and cooperation, People can build a safer, more human, free, and more democratic internet.” He pointed to the Cybercrime Prosecution Directorate as a “strong weapon” in combating online threats, noting its highly specialized personnel and modern infrastructure. The directorate also plays a significant role internationally, participating in numerous operations with Europol and Interpol.
The government is also leveraging direct lines of communication with citizens. The Cyber Alert center, accessible via the five-digit number 11188, operates 24/7 and serves as a first line of defense. In 2025 alone, the number received 38,000 calls, while the cyberalert.gr and cyberkid.gr websites recorded 180,000 visits. These figures demonstrate a growing public awareness of, and engagement with, cybersecurity resources.
The concerns raised by the Greek government align with broader international warnings about the escalating threat of AI-driven cybercrime. A recent report from Europol, as reported by Reuters, highlights how organized crime gangs are increasingly utilizing AI-powered scams and payment systems to rapidly scale operations globally and evade detection. Similarly, a World Economic Forum article details how generative AI is significantly increasing the scale and sophistication of cybercrime, particularly in the areas of identity theft and fraud.
The Greek Defense Minister, Nikos Dendias, is currently in California, as reported by iefimerida.gr, on a multi-day visit focused on strengthening defense cooperation in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and unmanned systems. His itinerary includes a tour of the U.S. Navy’s Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific in San Diego and meetings at Stanford University to discuss AI and computing. This visit underscores Greece’s commitment to modernizing its armed forces and bolstering its cybersecurity capabilities in response to regional security challenges, and reflects the strengthened cooperation under the U.S.–Greece Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement.
The situation in Greece also highlights the particular vulnerabilities of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). As noted in a report published by MDPI, Trends and Challenges in Cybercrime in Greece, uneven cybersecurity awareness among the Greek public exacerbates risk. The report suggests that unless detection capabilities keep pace, AI-driven attacks may further amplify the dominance of fraud in the national cybercrime profile. The Wealthy Backpacker article suggests that Greek SMEs can access cybersecurity funding through the EU’s Digital Europe Programme and national initiatives, and recommends starting with free tools and basic training programs.
The convergence of these factors – the rise of AI-powered cybercrime, the increasing frequency of attacks, and the vulnerability of SMEs – paints a complex picture of the challenges facing Greece. The government’s proactive measures, including increased investment in cybersecurity infrastructure, international collaboration, and public awareness campaigns, represent a crucial step towards building a more resilient digital future.
