Critical Infrastructure

According to the new U.S. Worldwide Threat Assessment, both Russia and China are capable of launching cyber attacks against critical infrastructure targets in the U.S. Moreover, say top U.S. intelligence officials, both Russia and China appear to be aligning their operations in cyberspace.

One of my clients recently asked me what organizations should expect for information security and privacy in 2019. My short answer: More! Here is what to expect in five key areas in 2019, and beyond.

Critical infrastructure systems are becoming increasingly connected and digitized. The sector is also facing expanding cybersecurity regulations to address cyber threats as the potential for dangerous cyber attacks increases as a result.

According to U.S. Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats, the U.S. is at “a critical point.” With Russian hackers breaking into the U.S. power grid and gaining access to utility control rooms, they have the opportunity to “throw the switch”, plunging the nation into darkness and chaos.

What some are calling ‘Industrie 4.0’ or the Smart Factory has become a reality, and has accelerated the digital transformation in the industrial sector. This increased reliance on digital systems has led to an increased emphasis on industrial control systems (ICS) security in the manufacturing sector.