Greek Minister Warns of AI-Driven Cybercrime Threat

Cybersecurity event highlights growing concerns over sophisticated online scams and fraud

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Greek Minister of Citizen Protection, Michalis Chrysochoidis, recently hosted an event in Athens to address the evolving threat of AI-powered cybercrime. The event featured a video demonstration of how AI can be used for deception and manipulation, underscoring the need for increased vigilance and collective defense against these emerging threats.

Why it matters

Greece has seen a significant increase in cyberattacks in recent years, with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) particularly vulnerable. The government is taking proactive measures to strengthen the country's cybersecurity capabilities and raise public awareness, recognizing the international and organized nature of cybercrime.

The details

During the event, Chrysochoidis emphasized the need for a collective defense against cybercrime, which he characterized as a core component of organized crime with a distinctly international character. He highlighted the dangers of deepfake videos and the Hellenic National Computer Security Incident Response Team's (GR-CSIRT) report of over 3,200 cyberattacks daily within Greece, representing a 347% increase in incidents between 2019 and 2022.

  • The event was timed to coincide with International Safe Internet Day.
  • In 2025 alone, the Cyber Alert center received 38,000 calls, while the cyberalert.gr and cyberkid.gr websites recorded 180,000 visits.

The players

Michalis Chrysochoidis

The Greek Minister of Citizen Protection, who hosted the event and urged citizens to remain vigilant against the growing threat of AI-driven cybercrime.

Hellenic National Computer Security Incident Response Team (GR-CSIRT)

The Greek national cybersecurity agency that reported over 3,200 cyberattacks daily within Greece, representing a 347% increase in incidents between 2019 and 2022.

Nikos Dendias

The Greek Defense Minister, who is currently visiting California to strengthen defense cooperation in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and unmanned systems.

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What they’re saying

“Today we are here to strengthen our collective defense, to ensure that technology remains an ally of ours, of society and of democracy.”

— Michalis Chrysochoidis, Greek Minister of Citizen Protection (newsdirectory3.com)

“With strategy, political will, expertise, and cooperation, People can build a safer, more human, free, and more democratic internet.”

— Michalis Chrysochoidis, Greek Minister of Citizen Protection (newsdirectory3.com)

What’s next

The Greek government is leveraging direct lines of communication with citizens through the Cyber Alert center and the cyberalert.gr and cyberkid.gr websites to raise awareness and provide resources for combating cybercrime.

The takeaway

Greece'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 in the face of the growing threat of AI-driven cybercrime.