Polish anxiety over cyber theft has surpassed fear of unemployment as 222,000 cyber incidents occurred in 2025, a 100% increase.
New Hierarchy of Financial Fears
A study titled “Polish Wallets on the Threshold of 2026” reveals that cyber fraud has emerged as a primary threat to Poles’ financial security. According to the research, one-third of Poles express significant fear regarding money theft through cyber means.
This fear varies dramatically across age groups, with 39% of seniors (65+) reporting concerns compared to just 21% of young adults (18-24).
Record Scale of Cyber Attacks
Data from Poland’s Ministry of Digital Affairs and CERT Poland confirms the alarming scale of the cybersecurity crisis. In 2025 alone, the country recorded 222,000 cyber incidents, marking a 100% increase from previous years.
2026 Predictions: Deepfake and Artificial Intelligence
Experts warn that 2026 will bring a new wave of sophisticated threats, as criminals increasingly merge traditional methods with cutting-edge technology.
Cybersecurity expert Bartłomiej Drozd from ChronPESEL.pl explains: “Cybercriminals are shifting from attacking systems to targeting people directly. They impersonate banks, government offices, and even acquaintances, exploiting time pressure and financial fears. In 2026, we can expect more such attacks with increasing credibility.”
Systemic Problem, Individual Responsibility?
While pressure mounts on banks, telecom operators, and public institutions to better combat fraud, the ultimate decision often rests with the individual user. 2026 will test whether these organizations implement effective protective measures or whether personal data security remains solely the citizen’s burden.
