Attacks against industrial control systems (ICS) are on the rise. Cyberattacks are more prevalent, creative and faster than ever. So, understanding attackers’ tactics is crucial. The IBM Security X-Force Threat Intelligence Index 2023 highlights that backdoor deployments enabling remote access to ICS systems were the most common type of attacker action in 2022.

Electric grids are part of every nation’s critical infrastructure. Every societal activity and business depends on reliable and safe electricity distribution. The US electric grid is a huge network of powerlines, distribution hubs, and renewable and non-renewable energy generators that is increasingly exposed to cyber-physical risks due to the accelerated reliance on cyber-enabled systems and IoT-connected devices, such as smart meters.

The evolution of the cyber threat landscape highlights the need for organizations to strengthen their ability to identify, analyze, and evaluate cyber risks before they evolve into security incidents. Known unpatched vulnerabilities are often exploited by criminals to penetrate Industrial Control Systems (ICS) environments and disrupt critical operations.

Bitsight has identified nearly 100,000 exposed industrial control systems (ICS) owned by organizations around the world, potentially allowing an attacker to access and control physical infrastructure such as power grids, traffic light systems, security and water systems, and more. ICSs — a subset of operational technology (OT) — are used to manage industrial processes like water flow in municipal water systems, electricity transmission via power grids, and other critical processes.

In July 2021, the White House established a voluntary initiative for industrial control systems (ICS) to promote cooperation between the critical infrastructure community and the federal government.

Of all the different areas of cybersecurity, not many are as important, or have as far-reaching consequences as industrial control systems (ICS) security. While most relevant organizations would agree that ICS security is a significant concern for their operations, it is easier said than done. Many find it difficult to put into practice the measures and solutions necessary for sufficient ICS security.

Under the direction of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) secures transportation systems in the United States, including oil and natural gas pipelines. The TSA Pipeline Security Guidelines are recommended best practices that protect the over 2.7 million miles of pipelines transporting natural gas, oil, and other hazardous materials across the U.S. from physical and cyber threats.

In recent years, cyber attacks have been on the rise around the globe. In 2022, the median initial ransom amount rose to $500,000 as more public sectors fell victim to malicious attacks. In Australia, climbing cyber attacks have damaged the country’s vital infrastructure, with lasting and costly consequences. Major industries in Australia — including manufacturing, finance, foreign communications, and the healthcare sector — have been targets of cyber attacks.

In the current geopolitical climate, the energy sector, which powers our modern society - from homes and businesses to critical infrastructure and national defense systems, finds itself under the growing threat of cyberattacks.

It’s no secret that the U.S. power grid is one of the main foundations of the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and daily way of life. Now that almost everything is digitized, it is hinging on it even more. We wouldn’t be able to use even most vending machines (not to mention cell towers or the internet) without a working electrical supply, and the importance of keeping it safe cannot be understated. Thankfully, a lot of positive changes have already been made.