Industrial Cybersecurity Threat Surges: 200,000 At-Risk Devices by 2025
Alarming trends in industrial cybersecurity have emerged. By 2025, at-risk systems could surpass 200,000. Many industrial systems have documented flaws, with Italy and Spain having the highest exposure rates. The US has the largest number of exposed industrial systems.
In 2024, the number of internet-accessible industrial systems jumped by 12%, reaching 180,000. These industrial systems control crucial infrastructure like plants and pumps. In the worst-case scenario, attackers could remotely disrupt operations or alter safety settings. The report warns that these industrial systems 'run more than machinery: they run trust'.
New installations in 2024 appeared online without basic security, coinciding with a rise in malware targeting industrial systems. Basic oversight and convenience-driven decisions contribute to this exposure. The report urges operators to remove public access, demand stronger vendor defaults, and engage service providers for monitoring. AI is now a factor, acting as a multiplier for both defenders and attackers in discovering and exploiting vulnerabilities.
The increasing number of exposed industrial systems poses a significant risk. Operators must prioritise security to protect critical infrastructure and public trust. Failure to do so could lead to severe consequences, including remote disruption of operations or safety systems.
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