The Growing Attack Surface of Operational Systems and Critical Infrastructure
Published by Jonathan Brown on September 7th, 2021 2:14pm.
205 views.
Howdy Folks!
The following exerpt is from an article published recently in Tripwire's website. The link to full article is https://www.tripwire.com/state-of-security/ics-security/why-are-ransomware-attacks-against-ot-increasing/?utm_source=The%20State%20of%20Security%20Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=FO-08-17-2021&utm_content=httpswwwtripwirecomstateofsecurityicssecuritywhyareransomwareattacksagainstotincreasing&mkt_tok=MzE0LUlBSC03ODUAAAF-895qGmvoMqhgdsWwpYpcPlYBFAH8rM_wmb7JzKwX5sXfFqEISQJT4yD9u2JcfScq9wUHiknTmh3cya3c9XJbaWCLOFx-mB2sGc_Kpv0AZChU8Eo
Dunno why that is so ridiculously convoluted but... it works
Feel free to read entire article first, or comment on your thoughts concerning the recent trend toward malicious attacks against critical infrastructure and supposedly highly secured system control servers.
How does this relate to the average consumer, business stakeholders, national security?
I look forward to discussing any thoughts you bring to the
table! --Jonny ([email protected]) Traditionally, OT hasn’t been a major cybersecurity concern
because these machines operated independently of other systems
or featured no digital entry points. As the Industrial
Internet of Things (IIoT) has grown, however, this is no
longer the case. Everything from manufacturing robotics to
logistics networks to power grids now features IoT
connectivity, increasing potential attack surfaces. IoT connectivity now rivals non-IoT
device connections in terms of the number of connected
devices. Every single one of these endpoints also represents a
potential access point for malicious hackers. Wireless
connectivity gives cybercriminals access to infrastructure
like utility lines and building management systems where none
previously existed. As organizations’ attack surfaces grow, it becomes
increasingly challenging to secure all endpoints.
Cybercriminals have capitalized on this opportunity, too, with
overall ransomware attacks rising 195% in Q1
2019, while those against individuals fell 33%.
Malicious hackers now prefer to attack businesses with growing
OT vulnerabilities over consumers."
"A Growing Attack Surface