Cybersecurity ETFs buzzing on Russian cyberwar threats

Cyber security stocks headed up on Thursday as the Russian invasion of Ukraine turned attention to the rising risk of online attacks from state-sponsored and private actors as part of a digital war effort and as retaliation for sanctions against Russia. Russian state-sponsored group known as “Sandworm” has just released a new type of malware called “Cyclops Blink” that attacks the firewalls of its targets. The Ukrainian government and business targets are under sustained and ongoing cyber warfare attacks.

Among the biggest gainers yesterday were Crowdstrike Holdings Inc (CRWD, +13.08%), Cloudflare (NET, +18.66%), Palo Alto Networks (PANW, +13.05%), and Fortinet Inc. (FTNT, +11.23%) — to name a few.

Cybersecurity ETFs in America on the rise

America-domiciled ETFs tracking Cybersecurity stocks inched higher on the threats. The First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF (CIBR), the largest Cybersecurity ETF, gained +6.96% on Thursday. ETFMG Prime Cyber Security ETF (HACK), Global X Cybersecurity ETF (BUG) and iShares Cybersecurity and Tech ETF (IHAK) tagged along with +5.96%, +7.73%, and +6.19% gains respectively. 

Cybersecurity ETFs in Europe on the rise 

In Europe, Cybersecurity ETFs recouped some of this year's steep losses on Friday, with the L&G Cyber Security UCITS ETF (ISPY) trending up by +4%. The iShares Digital Security UCITS ETF (LOCK), First Trust Nasdaq Cybersecurity UCITS ETF (CIBR), and Rize Cybersecurity and Data Privacy UCITS ETF (CYBR) have tagged along with over +2% gains.