The constant threat of cyber attacks on critical infrastructure

Right now, critical infrastructure across the world is at great risk. Every second, 13 cyber attacks target the systems we depend on. From energy grids and water supplies to transportation networks and healthcare facilities, these are the essential systems and networks that power our daily lives.

Between January 2023 and 2024, over 420 million attacks were launched against power grids, transportation networks, and telecommunications systems worldwide. In 2023, UK utility companies experienced a staggering 586% increase in cyber attacks, rising from just 7 incidents in 2022 to 48 successful attacks in 2023. 

The United States was the primary target of critical infrastructure attacks. California in particular has faced a surge in cyberattacks, targeting government agencies, hospitals and education institutions. Among the most disruptive was the August 2023 ransomware attack on Los Angeles-based Prospect Medical Holdings, which operates 17 hospitals and 166 outpatient clinics across the US, had its network hacked and its devices encrypted. 

Critical infrastructure protection

Critical infrastructure security faces major challenges now our world is predominantly online, and particular sectors face cybersecurity challenges which require advanced critical infrastructure protection strategies. Along with cyber threats, natural disasters, and physical attacks also pose risk to these systems where any one of these disruptions greatly affects public safety, economic stability and national security. 

Critical infrastructure is a complex ecosystem where physical assets like power plants, water treatment facilities and transportation networks are now deeply interconnected with digital systems and networks. Disruptions in one sector will likely have cascading effects on others and includes sectors such as:

• Power grids, oil and gas facilities
• Water and wastewater systems
• Roads, railways, airports, ports
• Communications networks
• Healthcare facilities
• Emergency services
• Food and agriculture systems
• Government facilities
• Financial services and markets
• Information technology systems.

Addressing weak links and implementing national strategies 

Critical infrastructure projects face inherent risks due to the involvement of multiple teams and contractors, a complexity that offers up more potential weak points that attackers can exploit if you’re not properly protected and teams aren’t trained to be vigilant.

Many infrastructure components still rely on legacy systems which increases their vulnerability to modern cyber attacks. Legacy systems are outdated computer, software, or hardware that continues to be used despite newer technologies being available. These systems still perform their original functions but lack the capability to grow, integrate with newer technologies, or provide advanced security features.

The Australian government recognises that essential infrastructure cybersecurity is complex and challenging. The $1.7 billion Cyber Security Strategy 2020 highlights protection of critical infrastructure as a key national security priority. Meanwhile, the 2023 National Cybersecurity Strategy marks a significant shift in how the U.S. approaches infrastructure protection. Instead of placing cybersecurity burden on individuals and small businesses, the strategy now demands that larger organisations and tech companies take primary responsibility for national digital defense.

Advanced threat detection to prevent cyber attacks on critical infrastructure

Modern protection means going beyond traditional firewalls and checklists to stop cyber criminals before they can breach essential systems. Operators now need intelligent systems that can learn, predict, and respond to cyber threats in real-time.

Advanced cybersecurity systems now use intelligent algorithms that continuously learn and adapt, identifying potential threats before they infiltrate. By analysing complex network patterns, the latest cybersecurity intelligence and historical data, these systems can predict and neutralise cyber risks in real-time to protect critical infrastructure with outstanding speed and accuracy.

Advanced, real-time threat detection holds a key in critical infrastructure protection because it can:

• Continuously monitor all network traffic for unusual activity
• Analyse patterns to identify potential threats before they occur
• Immediate alerts for any suspicious behaviour.

These systems which leverage business rules, machine learning and artificial intelligence can anticipate and prevent attacks before they occur, ensuring criminals don’t stand a chance and provide greater assurance of uninterrupted essential services.

The future of critical infrastructure cybersecurity demands a collaborative, adaptive approach. As cyber threats continue to shift, our defence strategies must offer users and organisations more intelligent, proactive and resilient protection.