Cybersecurity, the pillar to protect our world
October not only brings with it the change of seasons, but also Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a key reminder of the need to be prepared in the face of growing cyber threats. Today, cyberattacks are constant and pose a significant risk to our world. In fact, findings from our latest Internet Security Report (ISR), which analyzes the top cyber threats detected by our lab in Q2 2024, reveal that by volume 7 of the top 10 malware threats were new in that period, demonstrating that attackers are always adjusting their tactics. We also saw an increase in malware that bypassed signature-based defenses, and required behavior analysis to prevent, suggesting that attacks also adopt innovative and evasive new strategies. It is therefore critical that we raise awareness of these risks and take preventative measures to protect ourselves in this ever-evolving digital environment.
This year, the International Computer Security Association (ICSA) has coined the slogan “Secure Our World” to highlight the role we all play in protecting the digital environment. We are increasingly connected through digital tools and more sensitive information is online. From our personal devices to the systems and networks that provide essential functions for our lifestyles, everything is part of a complex and interconnected ecosystem. While making it easier to function on a day-to-day basis, this interconnectedness also carries significant risks.
As our critical infrastructures, such as energy, water, and transportation, become digitalized, the attack surface expands. Many of these infrastructures still rely on legacy technologies, combined with insecure Internet connections and traditional approaches to security, making them sitting ducks for cybercriminals. This combination not only threatens the continuity of essential services, but can also have serious consequences for the safety of people and property, such as outages affecting hospitals or transportation systems. A recent example is the attack on the Port of Seattle, which demonstrated how a cyberattack on critical infrastructure can cause transportation disruptions, negatively impacting travelers who need to reach their destinations.
In addition, the nature of these critical infrastructures involves a combination of Information Technology (IT), Operational Technology (OT) and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), which adds further complexity to their protection. While IT manages data and information systems, OT controls physical processes, such as machinery and industrial systems. IIoT integration has facilitated the monitoring and management of connected devices, but it has also exposed these traditionally isolated systems to new vulnerabilities.
This evolving situation underscores the need for approaches such as network segmentation and zero-trust architectures, which limit access to only what is strictly necessary to ensure security. By segmenting networks and restricting traffic to the essentials, the risk of a failure or attack in one part of the system impinging on other critical areas is reduced.
Attacks, such as the one at the Port of Seattle, will continue to be launched. Cybercriminals now have access to software-as-a-service (SaaS)-based tools powered by artificial intelligence (AI), enabling them to execute large-scale, highly sophisticated attacks against all types of businesses and industries.
AI has become a powerful tool within cybersecurity, with a crucial role in critical infrastructure protection. Its ability to monitor and analyze large volumes of data makes it possible to detect threats in real time and spot anomalies that would go unnoticed by humans. However, as with many technologies, AI is a double-edged sword: while it is key to preventing attacks before they cause serious damage, cybercriminals can also leverage it to execute faster and more sophisticated attacks. This risk is of particular concern in interconnected infrastructures, where any vulnerability can be exploited on a large scale.
In this scenario, managed service providers (MSPs) have become the true drivers of cybersecurity, facilitating the adoption of advanced technologies such as AI and automation in threat defense. As many critical infrastructures rely on them to manage their systems, MSPs not only provide essential IT services but also integrate advanced cybersecurity solutions. Their ability to implement and manage these tools makes their role key to preventing attacks that could have ripple effects across multiple sectors.
However, cybersecurity is not a task that can be limited to a single month or a few players. Cybersecurity Awareness Month reminds us that protecting the digital environment is a shared and ongoing responsibility, involving everyone from technology providers to individual users. Different sectors, from finance to healthcare and transportation, play a key role in the resilience of the digital ecosystem. Strengthening security in all of them is critical to protecting our world in an increasingly complex and interconnected environment.
