Critical Infrastructure and Cyber Resilience
The modern economy relies heavily on interconnected systems that are vulnerable to cyberattacks.
The US Department of Homeland Security defines critical infrastructure as assets and networks that are essential to national economic security, public health, and safety. These include finance, telecommunications, emergency response, energy, health services, transportation, water supply, and food systems. Any interruption or failure in these systems could have severe consequences, including economic hardship, loss of essential services, and a loss of safety.
A study by the Center for Strategic and International Studies in 2021 identified over 200 significant cyberattacks on critical infrastructure in the prior year, affecting systems in more than two dozen countries. Many essential activities that support critical infrastructure have been increasingly digitalized, relying on computers and networks to operate. Any breakdown of cybersecurity defenses built to protect these functions could result in catastrophe, and our heavy reliance on technology demands a concerted effort to secure it.
Organizations must take a holistic view of their technology and focus on foundational elements such as cybersecurity, business continuity, and enterprise risk management to ensure they can operate as planned and meet expectations even in the face of cyber events that could otherwise thwart operations. Resilience demands that organizations take an unclouded view of the vulnerabilities that may exist and develop methodical tests and resolution plans for every conceivable risk scenario and potential operational failure specific to their sector and services.
It is essential to ensure that critical infrastructure is digitally secure and sustainable in the face of potential cyber threats. This requires a serious assessment of vulnerabilities, followed by the development of tests and resolution plans for every potential risk scenario. With adequate cyber resilience, organizations can confidently provide their products and services without risking falling short for their constituencies.
In conclusion, protecting critical infrastructure is crucial to national economic security, public health, and safety. Cyber resilience demands that organizations take a comprehensive approach to their technology and focus on foundational elements such as cybersecurity, business continuity, and enterprise risk management. With a concerted effort to secure these systems, we can ensure that critical infrastructure remains secure and sustainable in the face of potential cyber threats.
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Our AIM 360° Cyber Security is the one-stop solution to protect your IT systems from all types of cyber threats and data breaches.