ANALYSIS OF CYBERATTACKS OF RECENT YEARS: LESSONS IN SELF-PROTECTION

Abstract

This paper analyzes major cyberattacks of recent years, focusing on their impact, strategies used by attackers, and the key lessons learned for improving cyber defense. High-profile incidents such as the NotPetya attack (2017), the SolarWinds breach (2020), the Viasat disruption during the Russian invasion of Ukraine (2022), and ransomware campaigns like the Colonial Pipeline attack (2021) are examined to illustrate the evolving nature of cyber threats. The study emphasizes the vulnerability of critical infrastructure, the importance of supply chain security, and the growing role of state-sponsored cyber operations. It also highlights Ukraine's experience in cyber defense during hybrid warfare, underscoring the value of international cooperation, zero-trust models, proactive threat detection, and public cyber hygiene.