Critical infrastructure depends on interconnected operational systems, where cyber incidents can disrupt essential services, safety, and availability.
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Critical infrastructure includes systems and assets vital for public health, safety, and economic stability, such as power grids, water treatment, transportation networks, and healthcare facilities. These systems often combine physical components with industrial control systems (ICS) and operational technology (OT) that manage essential services in real time.
From an information-security perspective, critical infrastructure faces risks like unauthorized access to control systems, disruption of service availability, and manipulation of sensor data. Defending these assets requires specialized security measures tailored to ICS environments, including network segmentation, strict access controls, and continuous monitoring for anomalies. Ensuring resilience also involves coordinated efforts between operators and government agencies to address vulnerabilities unique to legacy systems and proprietary protocols.
With highly sensitive information and disruptions to medical care at stake during cyberattacks on healthcare organizations, it's vital for these entities to carefully consider details of their communications plans well in advance of suffering a serious incident, said Tom Bolitho of FTI Consulting.
Staffers Considering Deferred Resignation, Payout Options Ahead of Looming DeadlineCISA employees face a Monday deadline to accept a deferred resignation, early retirement or payout as DHS prepares sweeping workforce cuts - potentially reducing the agency’s staff by a third and heightening risks to critical infrastructure across the U.S.
Goffee Targets Russian Entities With USB-Based PowerShell MalwareA threat actor that focuses on Russian targets is spreading a new PowerShell implant that includes modules for stealing files from thumb drives and propagating itself through a USB worm. Its targets include critical infrastructure sectors such as energy, telecommunications and government.