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Why Cyber Risks Surge During Earthquakes: The Hidden Digital Threat

Earthquakes and the Digital Dimension

When an earthquake strikes, our first thoughts are about physical safety—structural damage, emergency response, and survival. But in today’s interconnected world, earthquakes can also trigger a second disaster in cyberspace. From phishing scams to infrastructure attacks, cyber risks often spike during and after seismic events. This article explores why these risks increase, real-world examples, and actionable steps to protect yourself and your organization.

Why Earthquakes Amplify Cybersecurity Risks

Natural disasters create chaos, and chaos is fertile ground for cybercriminals. Here’s why:

  • 1. Infrastructure Disruption

Earthquakes can damage:

  • ・Power grids → leading to outages and unstable networks.
  • ・Data centers → causing downtime and emergency failovers.
  • ・Communication systems → reducing monitoring capabilities.

When systems go offline, organizations often prioritize restoring operations over enforcing security protocols. This temporary relaxation creates vulnerabilities attackers can exploit.

  • 2. Human Error Under Pressure

Disaster response teams and IT staff work under extreme stress during emergencies. In such conditions:

  • ・Password policies may be ignored.
  • ・Multi-factor authentication might be disabled for speed.
  • ・Emergency access credentials may be shared insecurely.

Attackers know this and strike when vigilance is low.

  • 3. Surge in Social Engineering Attacks

After major earthquakes, people rush to donate or seek help online. Cybercriminals exploit this urgency by:

  • ・Creating fake charity websites.
  • ・Sending phishing emails disguised as relief organizations.
  • ・Launching social media scams asking for donations.

  • 4. Smart Infrastructure Vulnerabilities

Modern cities rely on IoT devices for:

  • ・Traffic control
  • ・Energy management
  • ・Emergency alerts

Earthquake damage to these systems can lead to cascading failures. If hackers gain access during recovery, they can manipulate sensors or disrupt services.

Real-World Examples of Cyber Risks After Earthquakes

2011 Japan Earthquake

Government systems were targeted by cyberattacks during recovery efforts. Reports indicated foreign actors exploited weakened defenses while IT teams focused on restoring critical infrastructure.

2023 Turkey-Syria Earthquake

Researchers observed spikes in phishing campaigns and DDoS attacks against relief organizations. Fraudulent donation sites proliferated within hours of the disaster.

2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake (Japan)

Fake donation websites and social media scams spread rapidly, prompting government intervention and public warnings.

Emerging Digital Threats During Disasters

  • 1. AI-Generated Misinformation

Generative AI tools can create realistic fake rescue alerts or donation campaigns, making it harder for victims to distinguish truth from fraud.

  • 2. Ransomware Targeting Critical Systems

Hospitals and emergency services are prime targets during disasters. Attackers know downtime can be catastrophic, so they demand quick payouts.

  • 3. IoT Exploitation in Smart Cities

Earthquake damage to IoT sensors can open backdoors for attackers to manipulate traffic lights, energy grids, or emergency alerts.

 How to Protect Against Cyber Risks During Earthquakes

  • ・For Individuals

✔ Verify donation links before contributing
✔ Enable multi-factor authentication on all accounts
✔ Back up critical data to secure cloud storage
✔ Follow official sources for emergency updates

  • ・ For Organizations

✔ Implement disaster recovery plans that include cybersecurity
✔ Train staff on phishing awareness during crises
✔ Secure IoT devices with strong authentication
✔ Maintain offline backups of critical systems

Business Continuity Plan

Future-Proofing: Tech Solutions for Disaster Cybersecurity

  • ・Blockchain for Transparent Donations: Prevent fraud by using immutable ledgers for charity transactions.
  • ・AI-Powered Threat Detection: Deploy machine learning to identify phishing patterns during disasters.
  • ・Metaverse Disaster Drills: Virtual reality simulations for emergency and cybersecurity training.

Physical Safety Isn’t Enough

Earthquakes don’t just shake the ground—they shake digital security too. By planning for both physical and cyber resilience, individuals and organizations can reduce the risk of a “second disaster” in the digital realm.