Increase in cyberattacks on organizations that use operational technology (OT)
- Zumati
- October 6, 2024
- Uncategorized
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According to the most recent report from Fortinet, published on June 18, 2024, titled “2024 State of Operational Technology and Cybersecurity Report,”
nearly a third (31%) of OT organizations reported more than six intrusions in the past year, compared to 11% the previous year.
Cyberattacks targeting organizations that use operational technology (OT) have alarmingly increased, particularly in sectors like energy, manufacturing, and transportation, which rely on critical industrial systems. Threat actors are taking advantage of the growing integration between IT (Information Technology) and operational technology (OT) systems, creating new vulnerabilities for businesses and their managers, thus increasing the operational risks for organizations; these attacks aim not only to steal information but also to paralyze critical infrastructures, which poses security risks and leads to economic losses.
The attack surface has expanded due to accelerated digitization in these sectors, exposing vulnerable points like poorly secured IoT (Internet of Things) devices, outdated industrial networks, and a lack of continuous monitoring.
Cybercriminals employ sophisticated tactics, such as ransomware, specialized malware, and zero-day exploits, designed to disrupt operational processes or, in severe cases, cause physical damage to equipment.
Fortinet emphasizes the importance of comprehensive cybersecurity covering both IT and OT, which involves adopting strategies that include network segmentation, real-time analytics, and an AI-based approach to detect and prevent attacks in their early stages. They also highlight the importance and need for ongoing training for security teams in order to be prepared for the evolution of these threats; OT organizations must reinforce their systems and adopt.
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