Critical infrastructure depends on interconnected operational systems, where cyber incidents can disrupt essential services, safety, and availability.
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Background for this topic.
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.
HHS: Compromise at Large Pharma Software and Services Firm Puts Entities at RiskFederal authorities are warning of attacks on healthcare sector firms that use ConnectWise's remote access tool ScreenConnect. Hackers compromised a locally hosted version of the tool used by a large national pharmacy supply chain and managed services provider in 2023.
'Essential' and 'Enhanced' Best Practices Will Influence Upcoming Rule-MakingFederal regulators have released guidance that spells out voluntary cybersecurity performance goals for the healthcare sector. The document is a first step in fleshing out the Biden administration's strategy to push hospitals and other healthcare entities to adopt a stronger cybersecurity posture.
Finnish IT Services Previews Days or Weeks of Disruption, Ties Attack to AkiraAn Akira ransomware attack that hit a data center run by Finnish IT software and services firm Tietoevry has led to widespread outages across Sweden. Healthcare, local governments, retail outlets and the country's largest cinema chain are among the organizations experiencing ongoing disruptions.