Gawkowski, who also serves as a deputy prime minister, praised Poland’s high level of readiness in defending against cyber threats, placing it among the top five countries globally in terms of defensive capabilities in cyberspace, state news agency PAP reported.
Speaking at the Security Congress in Warsaw on Monday, Gawkowski outlined his ministry's plan, saying: "In just the next two years, we will spend nearly PLN 10 billion, a portion of which will bolster the country’s "digital shield," enhancing our defensive capabilities in cyberspace."
The conference, taking place in the Polish capital on Monday and Tuesday, aims to address strategic security goals, foster collaboration across sectors, and identify key areas for development in the nation's security infrastructure.
The ministry clarified that the funding covers both cybersecurity measures and broader digital initiatives. Of this, PLN 1.5 billion is earmarked for securing local government systems, often considered a "soft underbelly" in terms of vulnerability.
Additionally, PLN 2.8 billion will be allocated for cybersecurity efforts in collaboration with the state-owned Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego (BGK), and a further PLN 2 billion will go towards expanding high-speed internet infrastructure.
Gawkowski highlighted the growing threat landscape, pointing out that the number of cybersecurity incidents in Poland has more than doubled compared to the same period in 2023, surpassing 80,000 incidents in 2024 alone.
A significant part of the government’s strategy involves moving infrastructure to cloud-based solutions. While this shift poses significant financial and logistical challenges, Gawkowski stressed its importance for enhancing Poland's overall security, particularly in central and local government systems.
“Cloud solutions will elevate Poland’s security to a higher level,” he said.
Looking ahead, Gawkowski revealed that during Poland's presidency of the European Union, which begins on January 1, the country will focus on "cybersecurity, breakthrough technologies, and cyber diplomacy" as key strategic goals.
In recent months, the Polish Ministry of Digital Affairs has drawn up legislation to enhance its national cybersecurity system.
Deputy Digital Affairs Minister Paweł Olszewski described the legislation as a carefully considered framework that will streamline oversight of critical entities within Poland's cybersecurity network.
Gawkowski in June announced a EUR 700 million effort to develop a "national cybersecurity shield," saying that Poland was taking significant steps to enhance its cybersecurity against rapidly increasing Russian cyberattacks.
Gawkowski said earlier this year that Poland was "in a state of cyber Cold War with Russia," urging social media platforms to strengthen their safety procedures.
(rt/gs)
Source: PAP