A Wrench and a Screwdriver: Critical Infrastructure s Last, Best Lines of Defense?
Critical infrastructure s cybersecurity problems are complex, deep-rooted, and daunting. Addressing them won t be easy.but it isn t impossible.
For decades, security experts have warned that America s critical infrastructure is at risk for cyberattacks. Yet, despite seemingly endless conversations, ongoing debate and escalating concerns, modernization is slow and protections continue to lag.
(image by niroworld, via Adobe Stock)
When the Colonial Pipeline breach took place, it was as predictable as it was frightening. The ransomware attack shut down the pipeline for six days starting on May 7, and it led to a spike in oil prices along with shortages in some areas. But the next attack could be even more devastating: large swaths of the nation could be left without electricity or Internet access, water filtration systems could go offline, or natural gas deliveries could be disrupted during winter.
Dive Brief:
The U.S. Department of Energy is working to implement a national cybersecurity strategy, and has so far focused its efforts on the nation s transmission and generation assets, but utility distribution systems are increasingly at risk from intrusion and disruption, according to a report from the Government Accountability Office.
A coordinated attack on distribution systems could cause outages in multiple areas even if it did not disrupt the bulk power system, the report, released in March, warns.
Utility systems are generally not subject to federal security mandates because of the size of their facilities, and the report says DOE needs to more fully address those risks. Risk management experts say industrial control systems (ICS) connected to distribution networks are vulnerable, but question the need for new federal rules.
Cybersecurity: Continuous Vigilance Required
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As digitalization becomes more common and remote operations become necessary, guarding against cybersecurity breaches grows even more critical
The hacking of a Florida water plant, which made headlines in February, was a poignant reminder of the dangers posed by breaches of cybersecurity. Although the incident was discovered before real harm could occur, it highlights the importance of due vigilance when it comes to the security of IT (information technology) and OT (operational technology) of plants in the chemical process industries (CPI).
Threats are always there
“The [CPI] face increasing and more sophisticated cybersecurity threats,” says Michael Lester, director of cybersecurity strategy, governance and architecture at Emerson (St. Louis, Mo.; www.emerson.com). “Attacks are constantly evolving, as commoditized malware and advanced
These questions and more are set to be debated during a series of fascinating free online events that can be viewed by anyone anywhere in the world during the inaugural Cambridge Festival, which runs from March 26 to April 4.
The inaugural Cambridge Festival brings together the hugely popular Cambridge Science Festival and the Cambridge Festival of Ideas
- Credit: Cambridge Festival
The Cambridge Festival brings together the hugely popular Cambridge Science Festival and the Cambridge Festival of Ideas to host an extensive programme of over 350 events that tackle many critical global challenges affecting us all.
Coordinated by the University of Cambridge, the new festival features hundreds of prominent figures and experts in the world of science, current affairs and the arts, and has four key themes: health, environment, society and explore.
Artificial intelligence events at new Cambridge Festival dunmowbroadcast.co.uk - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from dunmowbroadcast.co.uk Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.