Weekly Cybersecurity Digest [February, Week 2]
Posted on February 17, 2026
Dear Valued Clients,
Europe’s cybersecurity landscape this week reflects a growing convergence of data risk, institutional caution around AI, and deeper scrutiny of supply-chain dependencies. From large-scale telecom breaches to tighter controls on emerging technologies, organisations are facing expanding exposure across data, devices and third-party ecosystems.
At Make Sense, we translate these developments into actionable insight – helping organisations strengthen operational resilience and move from reactive security to structured, measurable cyber risk management.
✅ Top Stories of the Week
i. Major Dutch Telecom Breach Exposes Data of 6.2 Million Customers
Dutch operator Odido confirmed a data breach affecting approximately 6.2 million customers after unauthorised access to a contact database. Exposed information includes names, addresses, IBANs and identity document details, though services were unaffected. The incident highlights ongoing risks to European telecom providers, which remain high-value targets for large-scale personal-data theft. [Read more via TechRadar]
ii. EU Parliament Disables AI tools on Staff Devices over Security Concerns
The European Parliament has disabled certain AI features on official devices used by lawmakers and staff due to cybersecurity and data-protection risks. The precautionary move reflects growing institutional concern about data leakage, model security, and compliance, as public bodies across Europe reassess the operational risks of deploying generative AI. [Read more via News.Az]
Question: Do your internal AI governance controls clearly define which tools employees may use – and what data must never be shared?
iii. European Commission Confirms Breach of Mobile Device Management System
The European Commission confirmed a cyber incident affecting its central mobile device management platform, which exposed limited staff data, such as names and phone numbers. Although contained within nine hours, experts warn that the information could fuel targeted phishing. The breach highlights growing social engineering risks to EU institutions. [Read more via ITPro]
✅ Industry Trends & Insights
France Leads Europe in Public Cybersecurity Concern Amid Rising Threat Perception
A recent EU-wide survey reveals that eight in ten French citizens are worried about national security, with only about four in ten believing the EU can protect them. The findings underscore deepening public anxiety about cyber threats in France and across Europe, as well as a perception gap in confidence in EU cybersecurity and defence capabilities. [Read more via Reuters]
Western Balkans Face Escalating Cyber-financial and Sovereignty Risks
A new regional analysis published on 16 February warns that Western Balkan states are becoming a focal point for cyber-enabled financial crime, influence operations and data exploitation. Weak institutional controls, geopolitical competition, and fragmented cyber capabilities are increasing exposure, highlighting the region as a growing risk zone for European financial stability and cross-border cyber resilience. [Read more via Debuglies]
Consider: Do your third-party or regional operations include emerging markets where cyber governance maturity may increase operational risk?
ENISA Publishes International Strategy 2026 to Strengthen Global Cyber Cooperation
ENISA released its International Strategy 2026, outlining priorities to deepen cooperation with global partners, support EU cybersecurity diplomacy and strengthen collective resilience against cross-border threats. The strategy focuses on operational collaboration, capacity building and aligning international standards, reinforcing Europe’s ambition to play a leading role in global cybersecurity governance. [Read more via Industrial Cyber]
✅ Regulatory & Policy Updates
EU introduces ICT Supply Chain Security Toolbox
On 13 February, the European Commission unveiled an EU-wide ICT Supply Chain Security Toolbox to help organisations identify and mitigate supplier-related cyber risks. The framework promotes coordinated risk assessment, vendor scrutiny and resilience planning, signalling a stronger EU focus on systemic supply-chain security as digital dependencies and third-party exposure continue to expand. [Read more via European Commission]
Reflect: Which critical suppliers would create immediate operational disruption if compromised – and how frequently are they assessed?
EU Parliament Blocks AI Features Over Cyber and Privacy Risks
The European Parliament has restricted certain AI-powered features on official devices after internal assessments raised concerns about potential data leakage and cybersecurity risks. Lawmakers and staff must now use only approved tools, reflecting growing institutional caution across Europe about deploying generative AI, the risk of exposing sensitive information, and the need to comply with strict data-protection and security standards. [Read more via Politico.eu]
✅ Cyber IQ Challenge + Proactive Security Hacks
Quick Quiz:
What is currently the fastest-growing enterprise cyber risk exposure?
A) Endpoint malware
B) Third-party and supply-chain risk
C) Physical data theft
D) Legacy hardware failures
(Answer below)
Smart Security Moves of the Week
- Protect customer data at scale: Implement automated anomaly detection for bulk data access and export activity.
- Control AI risk: Establish approved-use policies, data classification rules and monitoring for AI interactions.
- Secure mobile ecosystems: Enforce device encryption, MDM monitoring and phishing-resistant authentication.
- Strengthen supplier oversight: Maintain risk tiering, continuous monitoring, and contractual security requirements for critical vendors.
Answer: B) Third-party and supply-chain risk
✅ Conclusion
From telecom-scale data exposure and mobile platform breaches to growing institutional caution around AI and stronger supply-chain controls, this week’s developments reinforce a clear reality: Europe’s cyber risk is becoming more systemic, data-centric and ecosystem-driven. Resilience now depends on visibility across customers, devices, partners and technologies.
Final reflection: If a supplier, mobile platform, or AI tool introduced a risk tomorrow, how quickly would your organisation detect, assess, and contain the impact?
At Make Sense, we turn intelligence into measurable defence – strengthening governance, testing operational resilience and embedding adaptive controls across your digital ecosystem.
Stay secure,
The Make Sense SRL Team & CyberTania
