Critical Infrastructure Cyber Risks

The risk of cyber threats to critical infrastructure is a growing concern, as essential systems and assets face increasing vulnerabilities that could compromise their security and functionality.

Critical infrastructure refers to the systems, networks, and assets—both physical and virtual—that are vital to national security, economic stability, and public safety. The risk of cyber threats to critical infrastructure is particularly concerning for Operational Technology (OT) assets, which play a crucial role in the functioning of society. Any disruption or attack on these critical assets could have devastating consequences, making cybersecurity measures essential for mitigating threats.

The Growing Risk of Cyber Threats to Critical Infrastructure

Critical infrastructure is often perceived as a difficult target, requiring highly sophisticated attack techniques. As a result, state-sponsored actors with significant resources and expertise are frequently behind such attacks. The risk of cyber threats to critical infrastructure continues to grow, as compromising an adversary’s essential systems provides a significant strategic advantage. Even when an attack does not cause physical damage, infiltrating these systems can erode public trust, disrupt economies, and weaken confidence in a government’s ability to ensure national security. Given the high stakes, many of these attacks are closely tied to geopolitical conflicts and cyber warfare strategies.

Virtual Threats

As industries become increasingly reliant on digital technologies, any device connected to a network becomes a potential target for cyber threats. Cyber warfare is now a growing reality, with risk of cyber threats to critical infrastructure being a prime concern for attackers looking to cause mass disruption. A key example is the Stuxnet attack on Iran’s nuclear facility, which demonstrated how cyberattacks could physically sabotage critical infrastructure.

Malware and ransomware attacks are among the most effective cyber threats. The 2016 power outage in Kiev was attributed to a malware attack orchestrated by Russia, highlighting how cyber operations can directly impact essential services. Ransomware attacks are particularly effective because they can cripple critical facilities, forcing victims to pay large sums to restore functionality.

Legacy Systems

A significant factor contributing to critical infrastructure cyber risks is the reliance on outdated systems, including Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). These devices are integral to industrial control systems (ICS), but many lack modern security features, making them susceptible to cyberattacks.

The risk of a cyberattack on PLCs was demonstrated in 2017 by a PhD student at Georgia Institute of Technology. He developed ransomware that attacked water supply by compromising PLCs. The student was able to control the PLCs so that an abundance of chlorine was filtered into the water, making it undrinkable. Similarly, banks rely on outdated legacy systems that lack built-in cybersecurity functions, making them easy targets.

The Role of IoT in Increasing the Risk of Cyber Threats to Critical Infrastructure

The risk of cyber threats to critical infrastructure is evolving as organizations integrate IoT (Internet of Things) devices into their networks. Around a third of the 25 billion IoT devices worldwide are used to monitor and control infrastructure. While this improves efficiency and customer satisfaction, it also expands the attack surface for cybercriminals.

Lack of Attention to CyberSecurity

Despite the increasing risk of cyber threats to critical infrastructure, many organizations prioritize operational efficiency and customer experience over cybersecurity preparedness. This lack of attention leaves critical systems exposed to exploitation by cybercriminals seeking to disrupt essential services.

Importance of Critical Infrastructure

The intrinsic nature of critical infrastructure places it in a uniquely vulnerable position when it comes to the risk of cyber threats to critical infrastructure. The significance of these infrastructures, given their vital role in maintaining societal functions, renders them especially susceptible to the devastating consequences of ransomware attacks.

Human Factor in Critical Infrastructure Cyber Risks

The risk of cyber threats to critical infrastructure is also influenced by the human factor. Large organizations managing essential services often struggle with cybersecurity awareness among employees, increasing the risk of unintentional or intentional security breaches. Cybercriminals frequently exploit this weakness through phishing attacks, credential theft, or insider threats, making employee cybersecurity training and strict access controls essential.

How Rogue Devices Contribute to the Risk of Cyber Threats to Critical Infrastructure

Addressing critical infrastructure cyber risks associated with Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies demands a comprehensive approach that extends beyond conventional cybersecurity measures. Hardware attacks can be carried out on the network using network implants at the Physical Layer (Layer one), spoofed network elements, or by exploiting vulnerabilities in connected devices.

Sepio’s Solution

Sepio has developed a solution to detect, alert and block rogue devices operating over network and USB interfaces. This is the only software security solution for this type of attack. By discovering rogue devices through hardware fingerprinting and behavior analytics, Sepio provides alerts for security threats, enforces policies and delivers risk insights and best practices recommendations.

Many times, enterprises’ IT and security teams struggle in providing complete and accurate visibility into their hardware assets inventory. Especially in today’s extremely challenging IT/OT/IoT environment. This is due to the fact that often, there is a lack of visibility, which leads to a weakened policy enforcement of hardware access. This may result in security accidents, such as ransomware attacks, data leakage, etc.

Sepio’s Leadership in Hardware Attacks Mitigation

In the realm of critical infrastructure cyber risks, Sepio is a leader in the Rogue Device Mitigation (RDM) market. Sepio’s Asset Risk Management solution identifies, detects, and manages all peripherals—ensuring no device goes unmanaged.

Sepio is the only company in the world to use Physical Layer fingerprinting, calculating a digital fingerprint for each connected device and comparing it against known malicious hardware. By applying Machine Learning, Sepio detects anomalies in device behavior, such as a mouse acting as a keyboard—an indication of a cyberattack.

Gain Full Visibility and Control Over Your Hardware Assets

See every known and shadow asset. Prioritize and mitigate risks. Talk to an expert. They will help you understand how to use Sepio’s patented technology to gain control of your asset risks.