Tag: & Beriša

Understanding Ransomware Through the Lens of Disaster Risk: Implications for Cybersecurity and Economic Stability

Vidović, N., Cvetković, V. M., Beriša, H., & Milašinović, S. (2025). Understanding Ransomware Through the Lens of Disaster Risk: Implications for Cybersecurity and Economic Stability. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 7(1), 247–264. Article Understanding Ransomware Through the Lens of Disaster Risk: Implications for Cybersecurity and Economic Stability Nikola Vidović1, Vladimir M. Cvetković 1,2,3*, Hatidža Beriša4, Srđan Milašinović5 1 Faculty of Security Studies, University of Belgrade, Gospodara Vucica 50, 11040 Belgrade, Serbia; vmc@fb.bg.ac.rs (V.M.C); vidovicnikola.finance@gmail.com (N.V.); 2 Safety and Disaster Studies, Chair of Thermal Processing Technology, Department of Environmental and Energy Process Engineering, Montanuniversitaet, Leoben, Austria; vladimir.cvetkovic@unileoben.ac.at 3 Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management, Dimitrija Tucovića 121, 11040 Belgrade, Serbia; 4 University of Defence, Military academy, Belgrade – Republic of Serbia, Veljka Lukića Kurjaka 1, 11000 Belgrade, hatidza.berisa@mod.gov.rs. 5 University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies, Cara Dušana 196, Belgrade, srdjan.milasinovic@kpu.edu.rs. * Correspondence: vidovicnikola.finance@gmail.com. Received: 30 December 2024; Revised: 14 February 2025; Accepted: 13 April 2025; Published: 30 June 2025.   abstract     keywords   Ransomware has emerged as a modern digital crisis, mirroring the widespread disruptions typically associated with natural or artificial disasters. As global economies grow increasingly interconnected through digital systems, the fallout from ransomware attacks stretches far beyond mere technical breaches. These incidents result in severe financial damage, disrupt operations, erode reputations, and contribute to broader socioeconomic instability. This study adopts a disaster risk perspective to examine the broader economic and social impact of ransomware, particularly its effects on critical infrastructure and public trust in institutions. Through a multi-case analysis of sixteen significant ransomware attacks between 2015 and 2025, the research highlights a recurring pattern: direct and indirect costs often compound, with impacts varying from ransom demands and halted services to reputational loss and sector-wide vulnerabilities. The rise of Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) has also made these attacks more accessible and complex, deepening the threat landscape. The findings underscore the need […]

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Understanding Ransomware Through the Lens of Disaster Risk: Implications for Cybersecurity and Economic Stability

Vidović, N., Cvetković, V. M., Beriša, H., & Milašinović, S. (2025). Understanding Ransomware Through the Lens of Disaster Risk: Implications for Cybersecurity and Economic Stability. Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202504.1950.v1 Article Understanding Ransomware Through the Lens of Disaster Risk: Implications for Cybersecurity and Economic Stability Nikola Vidović1, Vladimir M. Cvetković 1,2,3*, Hatidža Beriša4, Srđan Milašinović5 1 Faculty of Security Studies, University of Belgrade, Gospodara Vucica 50, 11040 Belgrade, Serbia; vmc@fb.bg.ac.rs (V.M.C); vidovicnikola.finance@gmail.com (N.V.); 2 Safety and Disaster Studies, Chair of Thermal Processing Technology, Department of Environmental and Energy Process Engineering, Montanuniversitaet, Leoben, Austria; vladimir.cvetkovic@unileoben.ac.at 3 Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management, Dimitrija Tucovića 121, 11040 Belgrade, Serbia; 4 University of Defence, Military academy, Belgrade – Republic of Serbia, Veljka Lukića Kurjaka 1, 11000 Belgrade, hatidza.berisa@mod.gov.rs. 5 University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies, Cara Dušana 196, Belgrade, srdjan.milasinovic@kpu.edu.rs. * Correspondence: vidovicnikola.finance@gmail.com. Received: 30 December 2024; Revised: 14 February 2025; Accepted: 13 April 2025; Published: 30 June 2025.   abstract     keywords   Ransomware has emerged as a modern digital crisis, mirroring the widespread disruptions typically associated with natural or artificial disasters. As global economies grow increasingly interconnected through digital systems, the fallout from ransomware attacks stretches far beyond mere technical breaches. These incidents result in severe financial damage, disrupt operations, erode reputations, and contribute to broader socioeconomic instability. This study adopts a disaster risk perspective to examine the broader economic and social impact of ransomware, particularly its effects on critical infrastructure and public trust in institutions. Through a multi-case analysis of sixteen significant ransomware attacks between 2015 and 2025, the research highlights a recurring pattern: direct and indirect costs often compound, with impacts varying from ransom demands and halted services to reputational loss and sector-wide vulnerabilities. The rise of Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) has also made these attacks more accessible and complex, deepening the threat landscape. The findings underscore the need to integrate cybersecurity into comprehensive disaster […]

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The Gender Dimension of Vulnerability in Disaster Caused by the Corona Virus (Covid-19)

Cvetković, V., Čvorović, M., & Beriša, H. (2023a). The Gender Dimension of Vulnerability in Disaster Caused by the Corona Virus (Covid-19). NBP, 28(2), 32-54. The Gender Dimension of Vulnerability in Disaster Caused by the Coronavirus (Covid-19) [1] [2]Vladimir Cvetković1, [2]Milica Čvorović, [3]Hatidža Beriša [1]University of Belgrade Faculty of Security Studies, Belgrade, Serbia [2]Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management, Belgrade, Serbia [3]University of Defence Military Academy, Belgrade, Serbia Submitted: 2023-05-23 • Accepted: 2023-10-04 • Published: 2023-10-12 Abstract: The subject of the research is an examination of the way in which the disease COVID-19 affects the gender aspects of the vulnerability of citizens, with special reference to their physical, socio-economic and psychological vulnerability. For the purposes of this research, the perception of risk and the preparedness of men and women for the SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic were exam- ined. The results of this research were obtained by applying a quantitative survey of the citizens of the Republic of Serbia about their experiences and attitudes regarding their vulnerability due to the COVID-19 pandemic, where special attention is paid to the gender dimension. A survey of 273 adult citizens was conducted and the results have shown that there is no significant connection between the gender category and the physical vulnerability of people caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The obtained data indicate that approximately the same percentage of women and men had severe symptoms of the disease. Nevertheless, the results showed that there is a partial connec- tion between the gender category and socio-economic vulnerability, as well as a clear connection between the gender category and the psychological vulnerability of people caused by the pandem- ic. In both cases, the results indicate that women are more vulnerable socio-economically and psychologically than men. As this topic is not sufficiently represented in foreign, and especially not in domestic literature, the results […]

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Religion influence on disaster risk reduction: A case study of Serbia

Cvetković, V., Romanić, S., & Beriša, H. (2023). Religion influence on disaster risk reduction: A case study of Serbia. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 5(1), 66–81. Research article RELIGION INFLUENCE ON DISASTER RISK REDUCTION: A CASE STUDY OF SERBIA Vladimir M. Cvetković,1,2,3,*, Saša Romanić2,3, Hatidža Beriša4 1 Faculty of Security Studies, University of Belgrade, Gospodara Vučića 50, 11040 Bel- grade, Serbia 2 International Institute for Disaster Research, Dimitrija Tucovića 121, 11056 Belgrade, Serbia; 3 Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management, Dimitrija Tucovića 121, 11056 Belgrade, Serbia; (S.R) – sasharoma77@yahoo.com; 4 School of National Defense, University of Defense, Veljka Lukića Kurjaka 33, Belgrade; hatidza.berisa@mod.gov.rs * Correspondence: vmc@fb.bg.ac.rs Received: 1 May 2023; Accepted: 20 June 2023; Published: 30 June 2023 Abstract: Human perception of nature and God have always been inextricably linked. In order to understand nature and its inherent processes, including var- ious natural hazards, the reasons for their origin were often attributed to God’s will, suffering for sin and the similar. Fear of material and human losses prompt- ed a man to pray and offer sacrifices/gifts and other rituals to appease the “wrath of the gods”. The progress of civilization and technology has not alleviated the destruction and trauma that natural disasters inflict on all aspects of social life. A major obstacle to this is the exponential population growth in vulnerable ar- eas. The frequency of natural disasters and the fatalistic attitudes that limit the effective fight against them have motivated religious communities and individ- uals to cooperate with international and international organizations and insti- tutions to reduce the risk of local disasters. Believers thus receive the necessary psychological and financial assistance and support from religious communities during all phases of disaster management. Therefore, the subject of this paper is a comprehensive examination relationship between the degree of religiosity of the population and how this connection impacts […]

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Optimising Disaster Resilience Through Advanced Risk Management and Financial Analysis of Critical Infrastructure in the Serbian Defence Industry

Vidović, N., Cvetković, V. M., & Beriša, H. (2024). Optimising Disaster Resilience Through Advanced Risk Management and Financial Analysis of Critical Infrastructure in the Serbian Defence Industry. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 6(2), 183–200. Research Article Optimising Disaster Resilience Through Advanced Risk Management and Financial Analysis of Critical Infrastructure in the Serbian Defence Industry Nikola Vidović1, Hatidža Beriša1,2*, Vladimir M. Cvetković2,3,4,5 1 University of Defence, Military Academy – Belgrade, Republic of Serbia; vidovicnikola.finance@gmail.com (N.V.); berisa.hatidza@gmail.com (H.B.) 2 Department of Disaster Management and Environmental Security Studies, Faculty of Security Studies, University of Belgrade, Gospodara Vucica 50, 11040 Belgrade, Serbia; vmc@fb.bg.ac.rs; 3 Safety and Disaster Studies, Department of Environmental and Energy Process Engineering, Montanuniversität of Leoben, Franz Josef-Straße 18, 8700 Leoben, Austria; vladimir.cvetkovic@unileoben.ac.at 4 Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management, Dimitrija Tucovića 121, 11040 Belgrade, Serbia; 5 International Institute for Disaster Research, Dimitrija Tucovića 121, 11040 Belgrade, Serbia. * Correspondence: berisa.hatidza@gmail.com Received: 2 August 2024; Revised: 5 September 2024; Accepted 28 October; Published: 25 December   Abstract     Keywords   This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the financial factors and risk management strat- egies essential for optimizing disaster resilience within the Serbian defence industry’s critical infra- structure. The significance of this sector is multi-faceted, impacting national security, economic sta- bility, and technological advancement. Primarily, the Serbian defence industry ensures the preserva- tion of vital defence interests, maintaining Serbia’s independence from foreign sources for weapons and military equipment in both peacetime and wartime. Economically, it is a significant employer of the working-age population, directly affecting local employment rates, fostering economic devel- opment, and ensuring the sustainable growth of this crucial sector. This, in turn, stimulates broader economic activity and enhances social cohesion while strengthening the national balance of pay- ments through increased export potential. From a technological perspective, the defence industry drives scientific, technological, and industrial development, reinforcing Serbia’s global political and […]

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Comprehensive risk analysis of emergency medical response systems in Serbian healthcare: Assessing systemic vulnerabilities in disaster preparedness and response

Cvetković, V. M., Tanasić, J., Renner, R., Rokvić, V., & Beriša, H. (2024). Comprehensive risk analysis of emergency medical response systems in Serbian healthcare: Assessing systemic vulnerabilities in disaster preparedness and response. Healthcare, 12(19), 1962. Article Comprehensive Risk Analysis of Emergency Medical Response Systems in Serbian Healthcare: Assessing Systemic Vulnerabilities in Disaster Preparedness and Response Vladimir M. Cvetkovic´ 1,2,3,4,*, Jasmina Tanasic´ 5, Renate Renner 4, Vanja Rokvic´ 1 and Hatiža Beriša 6 1 Department of Disaster Management and Environmental Security, Faculty of Security Studies, University of Belgrade, Gospodara Vucˇic´a 50, 11040 Belgrade, Serbia; vanjarokvic@fb.bg.ac.rs 2 Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management, Dimitrija Tucovic´a 121, 11040 Belgrade, Serbia 3 International Institute for Disaster Research, Dimitrija Tucovic´a 121, 11040 Belgrade, Serbia 4 Safety and Disaster Studies, Department of Environmental and Energy Process Engineering, Montanuniversität of Leoben, Franz Josef-Straße 18, 8700 Leoben, Austria; renate.renner@unileoben.ac.at 5 Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities, Makedonska 22/VIII, 11103 Belgrade, Serbia; jasmina.tanasic@skgo.org 6 Military Academy, University of Defence, Veljka Lukic´a Kurjaka, 11042 Belgrade, Serbia; hatidza.berisa@mod.gov.rs * Correspondence: vmc@fb.bg.ac.rs or vladimir.cvetkovic@unileoben.ac.at   Citation: Cvetkovic´, V.M.; Tanasic´, J.; Renner, R.; Rokvic´, V.; Beriša, H. Comprehensive Risk Analysis of Emergency Medical Response Systems in Serbian Healthcare: Assessing Systemic Vulnerabilities in Disaster Preparedness and Response. Healthcare 2024, 12, 1962. https:// doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12191962 Academic Editor: Krzysztof Goniewicz Received: 23 August 2024 Revised: 27 September 2024 Accepted: 29 September 2024 Published: 1 October 2024   Copyright: © 2024 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https:// creativecommons.org/licenses/by/ 4.0/). Abstract: Background/Objectives: Emergency Medical Response Systems (EMRSs) play a vital role in delivering medical aid during natural and man-made disasters. This quantitative research delves into the analysis of risk and effectiveness within Serbia’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS), with a special emphasis on how work organization, resource distribution, and preparedness for mass casualty events contribute to overall disaster […]

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