Experts named the main risks for industrial enterprises

Among the main risks for industrial enterprises are insufficient protection measures, lack of resources to ensure industrial cybersecurity, as well as difficulties associated with regulatory requirements and the integration of IT and OT systems. This is stated in the results of a study by Kaspersky Lab and the international research organization VDC Research, which were reviewed by Izvestia on April 23.

Experts noted that 31.1% of industrial enterprises in the world largely do not use automation of technological processes or are just beginning to implement it to perform targeted tasks. Digital solutions are used, but about a quarter (22.7%) of organizations have not yet reached a high level of automation. At the same time, 63.6% of industrial enterprises plan to reach the stage of "full digitalization" in the next two years, and for this they proactively and continuously expand the use of appropriate technologies.

The results of the study indicate that cyber risks associated with the connection of OTT systems can offset the benefits of digital transformation. More than a third (39.3%) of the respondents named this among the potential negative factors affecting the process of technology introduction in industry.

From a black approach: hackers have quadrupled their attacks on Russia

The public sector, postal services and cargo and passenger transportation were among the most affected industries.

Among the most common difficulties are insufficient protection measures within the existing infrastructure, as well as a lack of budget or personnel to ensure industrial cybersecurity (46.6% each). Approximately the same number of respondents noted difficulties related to compliance with regulatory requirements (42.7%) and the integration of corporate and technological networks (41.7%).

"As the scale of the use of digital technologies and trust in them increases, the risks in terms of information security also increase. Therefore, it is important for industrial enterprises to use reliable security solutions. By implementing new systems, equipment, and approaches to work, as well as improving overall efficiency, such tools will reduce potential cyber risks that can lead to serious disruptions and financial losses," said Andrey Strelkov, Head of Kaspersky Lab's Industrial security product development.

On March 10, it was reported that in 2024, the number of attacks on companies in Russia increased by more than 20%. This follows from the data of Bastion analysts. Attackers are increasingly acting for financial gain. The main risks include attacks using ransomware, phishing mailings, and DDoS campaigns.