Financial Management Blogs by SAP
Get financial management insights from blog posts by SAP experts. Find and share tips on how to increase efficiency, reduce risk, and optimize working capital.
cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 
i353gfiata
Advisor
Advisor


One of the first known cases of a cyber-attack to critical infrastructures was the power outage in Ukraine, which left over 225,000 people without electricity for several hours.


 

Cybersecurity has evolved significantly in today's ever-changing digital landscape, transitioning from a routine IT task to a critical business strategy.


The rise of recent cyber-attack trends has further elevated the importance of cybersecurity, which in some cases involves safeguarding critical infrastructures and ensuring the safety of individuals and communities.




The Internet of Things: A Double-Edged Sword





The risks associated with cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure are amplified due to the increasing use of interconnected devices used to automate processes and manage operations more efficiently. This trend, often referred to as the "Internet of Things" (IoT), has led to the creation of vast networks of connected devices, commonly known as Operational Technology (OT), which are used to monitor and control critical infrastructure systems.




While these interconnected devices offer significant benefits, they also introduce new vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit. For example, a cyber-attack on a single device within a network can quickly spread to other devices and systems, potentially causing widespread disruption and damage.

Power Grids and Healthcare at Risk: The Urgent Call




Particularly worrying is the increasing number of ransomware attacks on critical infrastructure. These attacks are often carried out by sophisticated cybercriminals who seek to extort money from organizations by threatening to disrupt or destroy their vital systems.




The potential damage that can be caused by cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure is significant. For example, an attack on a power grid could cause widespread blackouts, leaving people without electricity, heating, and other essential services. In hospitals, an attack could result in the disruption of patient care, leading to serious health consequences. Attacks on transportation systems could cause chaos and disrupt the movement of people and vital goods.




Securing our future: Steps Taken by Governments and Organizations


As a result of the increased risks associated with interconnected devices, many organizations and governments are taking steps to address the security challenges posed by the IoT.


Governments are working to establish standards and regulations to ensure the security of interconnected devices and systems. For example, the US government has established the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), which is responsible for protecting critical infrastructure from cyber-attacks.


Recently, the European Union has introduced the NIS2 (Network and Information Systems) Directive to strengthen cybersecurity measures across its countries.


These governing bodies require operators of essential services and digital service providers to take steps to prevent and respond to cyber threats that could affect their systems and services, and in case of significant cybersecurity incidents, timely report and communicate them.


Companies operating in these sectors are required to implement strong cybersecurity measures, such as incident response plans, risk assessments, and regular security audits.


This is why there is an increasing investment towards advanced cybersecurity tools and techniques, such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, to better detect and respond to threats. Those technologies help with:




  1. Cybersecurity risk assessment: Processes and tools can be used to analyse and assess the cybersecurity risk associated with different types of critical infrastructure, such as power grids or water treatment plants. This can help organizations prioritize their security efforts and allocate resources to areas where they are most needed.





  1. Threat intelligence analysis: Analytics on threat intelligence data can be used to identify patterns and trends that could indicate an impending attack. This can enable organizations to prioritize their security efforts and take preventive measures to prepare their defences before attacks occur.





  1. Anomaly detection: Machine learning algorithms can be trained to recognize normal behaviours and flag any abnormal activity that could indicate a cyber-attack. By correlating data from multiple sources, including network data, application logs, and threat intelligence feeds, potential cyber-attacks can be predicted before they occur.





  1. Automated incident response: Security process automation can be used to automatically respond to certain types of cyber-attacks, such as malware infections or distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. This can help organizations quickly contain the attack and prevent it from spreading to other systems



Working together: Securing Critical Infrastructures and Communities


In summary, cybersecurity has transitioned from being a routine IT task to a crucial strategic business objective, and currently, it also represents a mission-critical effort to safeguard vital infrastructure.


The threat of ransomware is real and can cause serious damage, but while the risks associated with interconnected devices are significant, they are not insurmountable. With the right investments, collaborations and partnerships in cybersecurity, organizations and governments can mitigate these risks to ensure the safety and protection of our communities.



Find out how SAP can help protect data and business systems as a Cloud ERP provider. Visit the SAP Trust Center site to explore our security, compliance, privacy, and service performance capabilities.