Rising Threats in Industrial Environments: Protecting Critical Infrastructure through Cybersecurity Measures

The report by Honeywell highlights the growing threat of cyber attacks targeting critical infrastructure managed by operational technology (OT). Specifically, the study points out that USB devices are a prime target for cyber threats, with malware transmitted via these devices being a significant concern.

The increasing sophistication and frequency of cyberattacks targeting industrial facilities in recent years underscore the need for OT environments to enhance their cybersecurity measures. Cyber attackers are becoming more adept at infiltrating industrial environments, with a deep understanding of their operations, which allows them to remain hidden within control systems and lay the groundwork for potentially devastating attacks that exploit the systems’ inherent functionalities.

The prevalence of malware aimed at industrial systems is on the rise, with 31% of all malware attacks specifically targeting these systems and sites. This represents a significant increase from 2016 when industrial-targeted malware attacks were recorded at 16%. Malware can have damaging effects on OT environments, such as disrupting visibility, control or causing system downtime.

Honeywell’s research reveals that a substantial majority (82%) of malware possesses the capability to disrupt industrial operations by interfering with visibility or control mechanisms. The study also highlights the growing trend of malicious software targeting removable media like USB devices, with malware attacks on USBs accounting for over half (51%) of total attacks in 2024 – a notable surge from the 9% reported in the previous 2019 report. It is essential for organizations managing critical infrastructure to take proactive measures to protect against these types of threats and ensure that their operational technology is secure.