In today’s tech-reliant economies, governments and public sector bodies need significant cybersecurity solutions for assets critical to the safe and effective functioning of a country
Cyber attacks can impact not just the digital, but the physical world. Operating technology for energy, water and transport has been attacked in countries including, but by no means limited to, Ukraine, Israel and the US. Protecting this critical infrastructure, ensuring data privacy with cybersecurity solutions and defending against emerging threats is of the utmost importance for the public sector.
It is essential these organisations are aware of their key cybersecurity considerations, have the correct processes in place to identify emerging risks that can pose threats to critical infrastructure, and engage with measures to uphold cybersecurity best practice.
With these three ongoing initiatives working in tandem, the public sector will strengthen itself against cyber threats.
Emerging threats to critical infrastructure
In order to be in the most secure position as technology advances, governments and public sector bodies must not only be aware of familiar threats, but also emerging cyber threats which pose significant risks to their critical infrastructure.
As recently highlighted by the infiltration of hacker gang Clop into UK businesses such as the BBC, US-based investment firms, European manufacturers and US universities, state-sponsored actors or organised criminal groups may employ sophisticated Advanced Persistent Threats, or APTs, to infiltrate critical infrastructure systems.
These targeted attacks can result in severe disruptions and compromise national security for the period the attacker’s unauthorised access goes undetected.
The increasing adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) devices introduces additional entry points for cybercriminals
The increasing adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) devices in critical infrastructure, such as smart equipment or connected security services, introduces additional entry points for cybercriminals. Inadequate security controls and vulnerabilities in IoT devices can be exploited to gain unauthorised access and disrupt essential services.
Cybercriminals have also increasingly targeted critical infrastructure with ransomware, aiming to encrypt systems and demand significant ransoms. Successful attacks can lead to prolonged service disruptions, financial losses, and reputational damage.
Robust risk management
To ensure robust management processes to prevent and mitigate threats, governments and public sector bodies must adopt a risk-based approach to cybersecurity, prioritising resources based on the severity and likelihood of cyber risks.
Using these resources, governments should develop and implement comprehensive national cybersecurity solutions that outline objectives, responsibilities, and action plans. These strategies should address critical information and infrastructure protection, incident response, and collaboration frameworks.
Governments should also establish mechanisms for sharing threat intelligence among various entities, including government agencies, critical infrastructure operators, and private sector organisations. This collaboration enhances collective defence capabilities and facilitates early detection and response to cyber threats.
For example, governments could consider establishing dedicated national cybersecurity centres responsible for coordinating cybersecurity solutions, sharing threat intelligence, and providing technical support to public sector bodies and critical infrastructure operators.
Sector-specific cybersecurity guidance
Developing sector-specific cybersecurity solutions and guidance can also be instrumental, and governments should ensure these standards are tailored to the unique requirements of critical infrastructure sectors whilst promoting their adoption to ensure consistent implementation of cybersecurity solutions and best practices across the economy.
Governments should also be setting cybersecurity regulations for their regulated entities, with regular, timely assessments of the risk level of the sector as a whole.
Individual organisations establishing and enforcing robust security policies and regulation is crucial. These policies should encompass access controls, data classification, encryption, incident response protocols, and employee awareness training. Regularly reviewing and updating these policies ensures their relevance to address emerging threats.
Significantly, all cybersecurity measures must be approached with the awareness that continual monitoring is a key principle of best practice.
Governments should deploy advanced monitoring solutions to detect and respond to cyber threats in real-time
Governments should deploy advanced monitoring solutions to detect and respond to cyber threats in real-time. This requires implementing an effective incident response plan that includes predefined procedures and designated incident response teams.
Regular review exercises should test the plan’s effectiveness.
More widely, governments should consider programmes to promote cybersecurity awareness and education initiatives at all levels, including training for employees, stakeholders, and the general public. Encouraging a culture of cybersecurity awareness and proactive risk mitigation is a key aspect of maintaining strong cyber defence.
A comprehensive approach to a critical task
Governments and public sector bodies face the task of safeguarding critical information and infrastructure from emerging cybersecurity threats. By focusing on robust risk management, comprehensive security policies, collaboration, and information sharing, organisations can enhance their cybersecurity defences.
Creating visibility at national and sector levels and establishing mechanisms for sharing threat intelligence are essential components of a proactive cybersecurity programme.
This piece was written and provided by Anat Garty, Chief Cybersecurity Architect, Cytek security
