Protect Your Critical Infrastructure from Domestic and Foreign Cybersecurity Threats

Our world is increasingly interconnected on a global scale. Major disruptions, such as conflicts and inflation and rising energy prices, have ripple effects worldwide, highlighting our reliance on one another and the growing threat of cybersecurity breaches from foreign and domestic attackers.

Now, cybersecurity threats are exploiting the increased complexity and connectivity of critical infrastructure, creating threats to national security. Organizations are urged to prioritize securing their critical infrastructure as threats become more sophisticated – especially in an interconnected world.

Why Is Critical Infrastructure a Key Component of Cybersecurity?

Critical infrastructure networks are vital to our functional society. They need to be protected from not only physical threats like natural or manmade disasters, but from terrorism and cyberattacks.

If one of these systems is hit, the consequences can be far greater than lost revenue and reputational damage. For example, a hit that causes an outage can contaminate the water supply system or disrupt transnational transportation networks, bringing the economy and critical services to a halt.

It’s not difficult to imagine the widespread, real-world effects this can cause. Measures that protect critical infrastructure can ensure the security of businesses and citizens to keep the country moving and protect access to the services people need.

Primary Obstacles to Critical Infrastructure Security

Critical infrastructure is an important part of our world. It forms the basis for society, including everything from clean water supply to communication networks to the power grid. We only become more reliant on our infrastructure, highlighting the importance of cybersecurity.

Here are the biggest obstacles to critical infrastructure security:

Outdated Systems

One of the biggest obstacles to critical infrastructure security is legacy systems. Some sectors are slowly moving toward digital transformation, but many more are putting everything into technologies that have been in use for decades – despite better options.

This creates challenges when it comes to cybersecurity. Older systems worked well in at the time, but they weren’t designed for the lightning speed of technological advancement – nor the rising security threats that came with it.

Poor Coordination

Communication is critical for cybersecurity posture and response. Another challenge that critical infrastructure security faces is poor, disjointed coordination between agencies and departments. If an attack happens, it’s important for agencies to have a coordinated, seamless effort to secure their sensitive data and systems.

Insider Threats

Insider threats and risks are one of the biggest challenges in any organization’s cybersecurity, as well as one of the biggest barriers to shoring up security. It’s important to note that even though employees may not be purposely putting the organization at risk, many accidental vulnerabilities can develop due to lack of training or not following best security practices.

Because of the sensitive data stored on these systems, malicious hackers actively look for possible intrusion points inadvertently left by employees. Some of the most newsworthy security incidents in recent years have been the result of compromised credentials, whether intentional or unintentional. Organizations need to be prepared for these risks and have proactive measures to minimize attack surfaces..

Sophisticated Attacks

Just as technology has become more advanced, so have the attackers. Teams or networks of attackers are using more sophisticated techniques and methods to penetrate ironclad systems, which creates more challenges for cybersecurity and the protection of critical infrastructure assets.

Best Practices for Critical Infrastructure Security

Every organization needs a proactive security stance to shore up critical systems. That’s easier said than done, however, especially if you don’t know where to start.

Here are some practical steps to enhance your organization’s security posture:

Plan and Execute a Security Strategy

A comprehensive security plan is the best defense against attacks on critical infrastructure. Security plans should be comprised of technical and non-technical measures and protocols to cover each area of the organization.

Consider everything from access control and authentication, threat intelligence and vulnerability management, data encryption, secure remote access, and network segmentation, based on your organization’s needs.

Implement Advanced Security Technologies

While developing a security strategy, you must consider whether your technology is up to the task. Do you have outdated systems that are more challenging to protect? Is it time for an upgrade?

Many of today’s modern solutions are designed to detect and mitigate cyber threats in real time, ensuring that you have a strong posture to respond to an attack and mitigate its effects. Consider options like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), Privileged Access Management, cloud solutions, and advanced endpoint protection.

Monitor Networks and Systems

It’s important to monitor your networks and systems regularly to catch suspicious activity early and prevent it. Intrusion detection systems are ideal for detecting malicious behaviors on your network, but you can also use log management tools to track user activity. Many companies offer directory services to assist in monitoring and accessing corporate networks like Active Directory and ApacheDS™. Regular monitoring helps you identify any threats before attackers have an opportunity to do considerable damage.

Develop a Cybersecurity Culture

Your employees are one of your best defenses against cybersecurity threats. Make sure your employees are educated on the importance of cybersecurity and best practices to keep systems secure, such as recommendations for strong passwords and how to identify phishing attempts.

Training should take place regularly and all employees should have a clear procedure for reporting suspicious activity quickly. They should also understand what measures they need to take to maintain a secure environment as they’re completing their daily work.

Create an Incident Response Plan

Adopting a proactive stance is critical to security, but attacks may be inevitable. You need a plan in place to respond to a security incident. Though you may get your system back quickly, even a short period of downtime can have devastating effects.

Your response plan can ensure that you have a plan in place to identify risks and develop strategies to respond to them swiftly and effectively to prevent the attack and mitigate its effects. This should include business continuity, which helps your organization rebound from the attack with minimal disruption.

Secure Your Critical Infrastructure

No matter where a cybersecurity threat comes from, it’s crucial for your organization to have a plan in place to protect your critical infrastructure. Developing and implementing a proactive security plan, educating employees, and upgrading your technology are important factors in putting your organization in a strong position to not only prevent attacks but minimize their effects if one occurs.