Cyber Attacks Affected 90% of Industrial Firms in 2023

A new report from Kaspersky reveals alarming statistics about the cybersecurity challenges faced by industrial sectors like energy, manufacturing, and oil & gas. According to the research, nearly 90% of industrial firms experienced at least one cyber-attack in the past year, with repeated breaches becoming increasingly common. The energy sector emerged as a prime target, with 95% of companies reporting cyber-attacks, often resulting in costly operational downtime and financial losses.

The rapid adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies and automation has significantly expanded the attack surface for industrial operations. Among the 406 surveyed C-level executives, 21% identified IoT vulnerabilities as their top security concern. These connected systems, while improving efficiency, create new entry points for cybercriminals, putting sensitive data and critical processes at risk. The report also highlights the risks posed by human factors, with 18% of respondents citing insider threats, unauthorized access, and credential theft as persistent challenges, underscoring the need for stronger access controls and employee monitoring.

Interestingly, budget constraints were less of a barrier to enhancing cybersecurity, with only 20% of respondents listing them as a significant challenge. Instead, confusing technical jargon and the difficulty of quantifying cyber risks were cited as the main obstacles to implementing robust security measures. This points to the need for greater clarity and education around cybersecurity priorities for industrial organizations.

Operational Technology (OT) environments, which manage physical processes and machinery, were identified as particularly vulnerable. As industries increasingly rely on interconnected systems, OT infrastructures have become prime targets for cyber-attacks. Securing these environments has proven difficult for many organizations, leaving critical industrial systems exposed to evolving threats.

Kaspersky’s findings serve as a stark reminder of the growing cyber risks faced by industrial firms as they embrace digital transformation. The report calls for a holistic approach to cybersecurity, combining advanced technology with enhanced education, monitoring, and proactive measures to safeguard critical infrastructure.

Source: DIGIT

The European Cyber Intelligence Foundation is a nonprofit think tank specializing in intelligence and cybersecurity, offering consultancy services to government entities. To mitigate potential threats, it is important to implement additional cybersecurity measures with the help of a trusted partner like INFRA www.infrascan.net, or you can try yourself using check.website.