Malware in standard Information Technology (IT) systems is, at most, disruptive but not generally life threatening. However, what happens when this malware is transmitted to thousands of sensors in a nuclear plant, causing a major incident and putting people, assets and the environment at risk?
According to Forbes, 2020 broke all records for data lost in breaches and sheer numbers of cyber-attacks on companies, individuals and governments. These threats are also becoming more sophisticated with emerging technologies like machine learning, artificial intelligence and 5G.
The smart home security segment continues to grow, with worldwide shipments of devices reaching 801.5 million units in 2020 – an increase of 4.5 percent over 2019 – and predicted to surpass 1.4 billion in 2025, with a CAGR of 12.2 percent.
We are in the midst of a technology revolution, with the world becoming more connected than ever. But with great connectivity comes great threats. The digitisation of every aspect of our lives means that there is a growing reliance on technology not just in our homes but across businesses and industries too. A dependence that will leave us all vulnerable if our connected systems are breached.
With smart manufacturing continuing to merge the worlds of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT), the demand for comprehensive security measures to protect OT networks is growing. For a standards-based approach, stakeholders can turn to the IEC 62443 guidelines.
The finding that two in five UK companies have faced cybersecurity attacks in the last twelve months, coupled with the growing availability of tools to simplify hacking, is making business leaders nervous. Operational cybersecurity vulnerabilities are common across the board. There is no escaping the threat, whether you’re in the financial, industrial, education, or power sectors, every industry is at risk.