Security | Threat Detection | Cyberattacks | DevSecOps | Compliance

Cyberattacks on public infrastructure are no longer hypothetical. From ransomware disabling city services to foreign actors probing utility networks, the risks are real and rising. Among the most vulnerable targets are our public water systems. Often underfunded, technologically fragmented, and encumbered by legacy systems, water utilities are easy pickings for determined attackers.

A recent revelation of a Chinese-manufactured “kill switch” embedded in power inverters has reignited global conversations about cyber risk, supply chain vulnerabilities and geopolitical dependencies in the Operational Technology (OT) ecosystem.

Operational Technology (OT) environments are increasingly under pressure from evolving cyber threats. With digital transformation accelerating across industries, the need for comprehensive visibility into all connected assets is more important than ever. According to the 2022 OT/ICS Cybersecurity Survey by SANS Institute, nearly 40% of industrial organizations reported lacking a complete inventory of OT assets—highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive cyber asset visibility.

In today’s connected OT, ICS and CPS world, critical infrastructure organizations have a need to extend remote access to employees, 3rd party contractors, and OEMs. But in the rush to support remote operations, many critical infrastructure operators have exposed their critical systems to a silent but severe risk: the user endpoint.

The convergence of Building Automation and Control Systems (BACS) and smart building innovation within operational technology (OT) is helping to drive technological and environmental advances. However, it is also contributing to the emergence of significant security vulnerabilities and threats.

According to a report, 71% of energy industry professionals consider their organizations more vulnerable to OT cyber events than ever. These are private organizations, but the stakes are much higher for government-owned systems. Government-owned energy systems such as national grids, nuclear facilities, pipelines, and strategic reserves are foundational to national sovereignty and public welfare.

The energy sector stands as a critical pillar of our society. From the electricity powering our homes to the fuel driving our industries, reliable energy is essential. However, the very interconnectedness that makes the energy sector so vital also exposes it to significant vulnerabilities, particularly within its supply chain. The Interconnected Web of Energy The energy sector is a complex web of systems, stretching far beyond power plants and wind farms.

Xona, the leading provider of secure access solutions for critical infrastructure, is excited to announce a strategic partnership with Oregon Systems, a premier cybersecurity value added distributor specializing in Operational Technology (OT), Critical Infrastructure Security and providing High performance computing (HPC) solutions in the Middle East.

The energy sector has become a prime target for cyberattacks, with successful breaches posing severe risks to national security, economic stability, and public safety. Luckily, the industry is standing up and taking notice, with two-thirds of energy professionals (65%) now saying their leadership now sees cybersecurity as the greatest risk to their business.

America's critical infrastructure faces an unprecedented threat, and it's already installed in hundreds of locations across the nation. Recent investigations confirm that Chinese-manufactured power transformers—essential components of our electrical grid—have been discovered with hidden capabilities allowing remote shutdown from overseas. In summer 2019, federal authorities seized a massive 500,000-pound Chinese transformer at the Port of Houston.