By Jarren Ringle
This is not a political discussion. But world events do impact tech and, therefore, you. A phrase used to describe this is “transnational cyber threats driven by geopolitical shifts.” In simple terms, the more unstable the world becomes, the more active scams, malware, credential breaches, supply interruptions, and network and utility outages we will face.
Cyber threats have been a fact for many years. The more we rely on tech, the more impact those threats will have. After a recent spring storm, I had a few days without home WIFI due to a Spectrum outage. That caused me to realize how much I missed my home internet and all the things I had grown to take for granted. No streaming on the TV, no security cameras, no automated lights, no streaming music in the house, no personal assistants helping with shopping lists or alerts. I know “poor me”.
Let’s look at some of the possible impacts caused by geopolitical instability.
Scams, ransomware, malware, compromised websites, fraud, and security credential hacking are the ones most likely to impact you directly. These things have been around for years, but I am seeing them more frequently now. The number of scam emails I receive each day has increased greatly. Most are easy to spot, but some aren’t. In fact, AI has greatly improved the “effectiveness” of these scams, and more folks are being victimized as a result.
Impostor scams are increasing each day. People click links or make phone calls, resulting in malware infections, security breaches, and/or financial losses. Romance scams are increasing across various social media platforms. All these things can be the product of various nation-funded attacks.
To see the financial impact of fraud and scams, let’s focus on Ohio.
| Year | # of Frauds / Scams Reported | Total $ Loss | Median $ Loss |
| 2021 | 78,265 | $87.7M | $350 |
| 2022 | 63,327 | $139.7M | $500 |
| 2023 | 62,817 | $160.1M | $400 |
| 2024 | 64,059 | $229.1M | $350 |
| 2025 | 76,527 | $308.2M | $300 |
Source: Federal Trade Commission… Stats are REPORTED only… many are NOT reported.
On a global scale, several factors can affect you indirectly. Sabotage is one of the things that can affect federal agencies and enterprises. It can result in service loss and business interruptions. Most often, it is a nation-state-funded activity. A scary example is the fact that many of the systems used in the generation and transmission of electricity are at risk of remote access and/or kill switches. The same is true for water treatment plants. Work is underway to harden these utilities, but until that is completed, there is a risk.
Taiwan is a major manufacturing hub for advanced computer “chips” and other related hardware. That level of global dependency creates a supply chain vulnerability. China has long stated that it views Taiwan as part of its territory, and tensions in the region raise concerns about potential disruptions. If Taiwan’s chip production were interrupted, it could lead to supply delays, higher costs, and temporary shortages in technology products worldwide. This is why governments and companies are investing in expanding chip manufacturing in other regions—to reduce risk and keep the global technology supply chain stable. (source: ChatGPT)
So, what can we do? There is no simple or absolute answer to that question. Knowing AI searches the web and other sources to answer questions, I used it to respond. This list was generated by ChatGPT.
- Reduce dependence on any single provider
- Back up your data
- Use strong identity protection
- Keep devices updated and patched
- Be cautious with “foreign” apps and devices
- Secure your home network
- Prepare for service disruptions
- Watch for disinformation and scams
- Use encryption where possible
- Buy critical tech before you need it
- Learn basic cyber hygiene
- Consider “digital resilience” planning
This is a great list regardless of the geopolitical climate. Most of the things on it are things we should already be doing.
Be safe. Be alert.
Jarren Ringle is a member of SourcePoint and a volunteer instructor. SourcePointers come to Jarren for tutelage on their tablets, laptops, and the most popular of all devices – cell phones. He teaches various technology classes throughout the year including one-on-one sessions and group classes. Jarren also volunteers at the Delaware County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. With many years of project management experience in various technology fields, he enjoys helping others with technology.
Technology 1:1 Assistance: Jarren Ringle provides guidance on technology in a 45-minute time slot. Do you have questions regarding a cell phone, PC, laptop or tablet? Share what the device is and what your question is upon registration so that Jarren can be better prepared to help. >> Schedule your 1:1