Cybersecurity experts warn of growing cyber threats to critical physical infrastructure | #cybercrime | #infosec

SOUTHERN TIER (WBNG) — While many people associate cybercrime with personal data breaches, experts warn that the most significant current threat targets physical networks.

Rather than seeking personal computers, modern cyberattacks often focus on essential systems like regional power grids, hospitals, airports and municipal water supplies.

For example, worldmetrics.org states that healthcare was the most breached industry in 2023, with 60% of breaches involving Protected Health Information (PHI).

Benny Czarny, CEO and founder of cybersecurity company OPSWAT, explained that critical infrastructure has essentially become the newest front line in global conflicts.

“Water [and] energy is very much controlling the way of life, and these systems weren’t really built for today’s cybersecurity attacks. They’re becoming easy targets for our enemies,” Czarny said.

Vital systems increasingly include space-based technologies that support global commerce, navigation and communications.

Experts note that these complex public systems were not originally built to withstand modern cyberattacks, making them vulnerable targets.

Additionally, the swift rise of artificial intelligence has put complex hacking tools into the hands of a wider range of attackers.

“AI is level setting everything, and cybersecurity attacks that were variable only to a few governments, only like a few years ago, are a variable to everybody now. It’s a variable to our enemies. It’s a variable to individuals,” Czarny said. “Don’t assume for a second that your AI detection model is going to outsmart your attacker.”

To reduce these risks, specialists suggest individuals frequently update their operating systems, use reliable antivirus software and avoid opening unknown links.

Czarny recommended that communities speak with local representatives to advocate for stronger public infrastructure protections.

“What I really think that the average family should do is actually talk to the congressmen, talk to maybe the staffers, talk to the governments, and ensure that your critical infrastructure is protected,” Czarny said.