Why Is Security in Critical Infrastructure Important?

Why is cybersecurity in critical infrastructure important? Security is a top priority for the government. However, it is also important for individual citizens to take action and report suspicious activities. In addition, many private organisations are also responsible for critical infrastructure, which requires government entities to work closely with private companies to ensure effective cybersecurity. Here are some ways to increase the security of critical infrastructure.

While there are many threats to critical infrastructure, a few of the most dangerous are natural disasters, accidents with hazardous materials, and human threats. Terrorism has also increased over the past decade. Criminals are increasingly targeting critical infrastructure, including communications and energy sectors. Even a simple cyberattack can bring the entire system to a screeching halt. As a result, it is crucial for critical infrastructure to be protected. For information on Cybersecurity Risk Management, visit jmpcyberinsurance.co.uk/cyber-security-risk-management

Hackers can affect the economy and other vital infrastructures, threatening their survival. A breach in one of these sectors could have catastrophic consequences, affecting not only the economy, but also the lives of citizens. By leveraging the vulnerabilities of these decades-old components, threat actors can profit from these vulnerabilities.

The evolution of smart sensors has also increased the vulnerability of critical infrastructure. Smart sensors are bundled into industrial control systems and communication technologies. Smart sensors, in particular, can expose critical infrastructure to cyberattacks. And the larger the number of smart devices that are connected to critical infrastructure, the greater the attack surface and potential damage. Even one smart sensor that is vulnerable to an attack can compromise the integrity of other critical systems on the same network.

While critical infrastructure is important to a nation’s security, protecting it is more important than securing individual systems. National infrastructure consists of networks, data, and physical systems that contribute to society’s daily lives. It also includes buildings and roads. It includes telephone lines, pipelines, power plants, drinking water systems, and various other physical structures. In addition, there are also many sectors of critical infrastructure that require cyber security.

As a consequence, a substantial portion of the critical infrastructure is privately owned, making cybersecurity less important than maximising profits. Furthermore, most companies outsource services and functions that aren’t part of their core competencies. As a result, their systems are often a complicated mesh of technologies with increased attack surfaces. Additionally, smaller companies don’t necessarily have the expertise to protect critical infrastructure, making them an easy target for attackers.

Those who must work together include software developers, cybersecurity experts, power systems engineers, and data scientists. They are developing new methods and algorithms for protecting critical infrastructure and advancing the understanding of how it operates.