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Cybersecurity: utilities and the extractive sector are increasingly attractive targets for cybercriminals

According to Verizon's Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR 2023), attacks on utilities and the raw materials extraction sector are increasing. Ransomware is the main threat. Information security remains the constant challenge for companies

Cybersecurity: utilities and the extractive sector are increasingly attractive targets for cybercriminals

Le utility and the extractive sector of raw material have become essential to national economies, especially due to the growing costs related to climate change and international tensions.
Given their importance it is therefore not surprising that these sectors are becoming more and more targets for cybercriminals. These see companies in this sector as a potential profitable business, considering their willingness to pay considerable amounts to avoid contractual losses or million-dollar fines due to disruptions to supply services caused by cyber breaches.

Security level still low

In recent years, companies have dedicated themselves to improving their cybersecurity through the implementation of advanced solutions, the creation of attack response plans and employee training.

Despite the efforts, however, the data indicates that the road towards a satisfactory level of safety is still a long way off.

Recent evidence proves it Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR 2023) by Verizon which highlights the supply chain challenges in the field of cybersecurity.

Ransomware the main threat

The main threat in the field of cybersecurity is the ransomware, a type of malware designed to block access to a system or data, requiring payment to restore access or release the decryption key.

The DBIR 2023 says that ransomware remains one of the main forms of attack in the sector, representing the 32% of violations, a percentage significantly higher than the general average which is around 24%.

More than80% of violations comes from system intrusions, web application attacks and various errors, while breaches caused by social engineering are decreasing.

Le compromised information they mainly include personal data (50%) followed by company data (33%).

The challenge for companies

The data shows that the sector remains one of the Favorite targets for cybercriminals, who understand its strategic importance on a global level. The challenge for companies is to constantly update their security plans to face increasingly sophisticated and dangerous attacks.

Only through a continuous commitment to preventing and managing cyber threats will companies in the sector be able to maintain the security of their operations and contribute to global economic stability.

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