The cybersecurity situation in Europe is tense: Based on accumulated ESET telemetry trends, Europe accounted for 39% of all recorded attacks in 2024, ranking no. 2 globally. The targets? Often, valuable data and funds. In parallel, there are increasingly disruptive and destructive attacks by state-aligned groups and politically motivated hacktivists. To protect themselves, many Europe-based companies rely on cybersecurity providers from different regions around the world.
However, recent political decisions have raised questions about the reliability of these partners: Can companies and private users truly trust that their IT security solutions will function at all times? Will “kill switches” be triggered or “backdoors” opened? Does their capability match the marketing claims? Will I be less or more vulnerable? Will I be stronger, weaker, or the same by switching?
No matter how these questions are answered individually, the new reality has increased calls for a more unified European approach.
Currently, with a budget of up to 800 billion euros, the EU's defense capabilities are being modernized to create a safer and more resilient home for its citizens. Of note is that this comprehensive defense project explicitly includes initiatives in cyberspace. As such, companies should look to competent European cybersecurity providers to ensure they have partners who share their values and adhere to European data protection regulations.
Made in Europe
European IT security is leading globally and is distinguished primarily by customer trust in the technology and emphasis on data protection quality.
Founded in 1992, ESET is headquartered in the European Union. The company's central functions — from executive management to product development and coordination of globally distributed research labs — are based in Bratislava, Slovakia, with offices in Germany, the Czech Republic, the UK, and other European countries. Thus, ESET strictly adheres to European data protection and legal standards.
Outstanding quality from the EU
Renowned testing institutes praise ESET’s commitment and quality. In AV-Comparatives tests, ESET products consistently receive top scores. Moreover, ESET was honored with the prestigious Product of the Year Award in 2024. This award is given to the program that achieves the highest scores across all testing categories, symbolizing exceptional quality in every aspect.
Digital sovereignty is more important than ever
Continuous efforts to promote digital sovereignty in Europe require an approach that focuses on prevention as a cornerstone of security efforts, in more ways than one. It’s not just the fact that one proactively detects threats, it’s also how it approaches this process from the get-go.
For example, ESET takes a pioneering role in data protection. We collect and transmit only the absolute minimum data necessary for product operation. To examine potentially malicious files, only anonymous "fingerprints" are sent to the ESET Cloud. File contents are not transmitted, and even this function requires explicit user consent during installation.
The same applies to submitting suspicious files, emails, or URLs. Data protection is a top priority for ESET, which is why we regularly collaborate with experts in this field.
This approach shouldn’t come as a surprise though. As a European company, adherence to regulatory frameworks and acts such as the GDPR or NIS2 ensures that the makeup of our solutions is designed with them in mind, supporting internal company processes while at the same time ensuring that our partners are compliant via our solutions at all times.
ESET also takes part in regular cyber exercises as part of NATO Locked Shields, and it also actively monitors the conflict in Ukraine to ensure continued cyber resilience in Europe.
A more resilient future
The current uncertain geopolitical situation clearly highlights one point: It is imperative to partner with companies that have a strong record of data protection and share one’s values.
This ensures that critical infrastructure, especially healthcare (which is vital and especially targeted), manufacturing (a cornerstone of European excellence), defense, or in more general terms, both the economy and society, remain capable of functioning effectively, without disruptions caused by malicious actors. Wherever IT security is not top-tier and free from political restrictions, digital sovereignty falters.
“At a time of geopolitical uncertainty, Europe has the talent to be more self-reliant in the digital world, should 'homegrown' be a strategic priority. The European continent is blessed with innovative and successful tech companies. ESET is a perfect example, recognized as one of the World’s leading cybersecurity companies, a reliable and trusted European name for uncertain times.”
Andy Garth, ESET Director of Government Affairs
To discover how digital sovereignty is intertwined with sophisticated IT security, and how ESET’s Prevention-first approach support this, please read our paper below.
