OT cybersecurity attacks have become a significant concern for critical infrastructure operators and a major part of our conversations with clients and others in the industry. Not only are they dangerous, but they’re extremely costly. According to the 2024 IBM Cost of a Data Breach report, the average cost of a data breach in the industrial sector was $5.56 million. Considering increased convergence with IT and the threat of activity by OT-focused groups like Volt Typhoon, this figure has the potential to rise.
Broadening the Focus
To prevent the physical and monetary impact of cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, we have to focus on more than just the networks themselves. Of course, they are the target. If we don’t address the elements surrounding them though, we are leaving them exposed to other vulnerabilities. As State Scoop recently reported, a navy admiral referred to state and local cybersecurity personnel as “the backbone of protecting critical infrastructure in the U.S” and “should be treated like military personnel and members of the ‘front line’ defense by the government.”
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