Ransomware and physical world risks are becoming increasingly important as IT, operational technology (OT), connected devices, and critical infrastructure become more interconnected. A ransomware attack can extend beyond digital systems, disrupting physical operations and the essential services organizations depend on.
In this video, Jessica Amado, Head of Cyber Research at Sepio, explores how ransomware can affect the physical world and why organizations need greater visibility into the hardware assets connected to their infrastructure.
Ransomware and Physical World Impact
Ransomware is a malicious form of software that encrypts files and systems, potentially making critical resources unavailable until organizations recover their systems or, in some cases, pay a ransom.
For organizations operating critical infrastructure, the consequences can extend beyond data loss. Disruption to IT and OT environments can affect physical operations, essential services, and the people who depend on them.
The Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack demonstrated how a cyber incident can have widespread real-world consequences. The attack affected the company’s IT environment and led Colonial Pipeline to shut down pipeline operations, contributing to fuel supply disruption and public concern.
As IT and OT environments become increasingly interconnected (CPC), organizations need to understand not only their software and network exposure but also the devices connected across their infrastructure.
For additional ransomware guidance and resources, visit StopRansomware.gov, the U.S. government’s resource for ransomware protection, response, and recovery.
Why Hardware Visibility Matters
Traditional cybersecurity controls provide essential protection against ransomware, but organizations can still have visibility gaps at the hardware layer.
Unknown, unmanaged, and shadow assets can introduce risks that conventional software-focused security tools may not fully address. Without sufficient hardware asset visibility, security teams may lack a complete understanding of what is connected to their environment.
Sepio helps organizations discover and understand connected hardware assets, including known and shadow assets, providing greater visibility across IT, OT, and connected device environments.
This visibility helps security teams identify hardware-related risks, reduce blind spots, and strengthen their overall cyber resilience.
Turn Hardware Visibility into Action
Protecting critical operations starts with knowing what is connected to your environment.
Sepio provides hardware asset visibility and risk insights to help organizations identify unknown assets, prioritize risks, and make informed mitigation decisions.
See every known and shadow asset. Prioritize and mitigate risks.
Schedule a demo to discover how Sepio can help your organization gain greater visibility and control over hardware asset risks.
