Deaths From Cyber Attacks

The ability of cyber threats to compromise information systems is an ongoing danger to all organisations, however, an emerging threat presents a new challenge, cyber attacks that may cause physical harm to systems and persons. This threat has become acute for certain sectors such as critical infrastructure.
 
Historically, cyber attacks seek to harm a target by either causing disruption of a system or covertly entering to commit espionage or data theft. Recently, a new cyber attack has evolved to harm targets by causing physical damage or corruption of a system.
 
For example, in 2016 one piece of malware targeted Ukraine’s power grid and cut power to 20 percent of the capital. The attack occurred toward the end of winter and left residents without electricity, lights, and, in some cases, heat. It involved malware that could activate or deactivate controls, and, as the attack was unfolding, it became clear that it was engineered for maximum effect because it also took back-up power sources offline.
 
Another significant event occurred in August 2018, when cyber-criminals breached the security of a petro-chemical plant in Saudi Arabia in an attempt to manipulate and sabotage the plant’s operations. 
 
Though unsuccessful at causing an explosion, investigators believe that the attack was intended to cause a catastrophic event. While the attack failed in this instance, investigators raised the alarm that the compromised system is utilised by thousands of critical infrastructure operators globally and is an ongoing vulnerability. Also in the case of the Saudi Arabia hack, investigators concluded that the hackers custom-built nearly all their tools, and could do so, because they were able to obtain a copy of the critical software from eBay. 
 
This suggests the hackers were funded and possibly affiliated with a state actor. Undoubtedly, this has generated concerns about the increased use of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software.
 
Adding to this is a resurgence of cyber criminals specifically targeting the energy sector. One group, Dragonfly, has launched several high-profile and concerted attacks against the energy sector. To date the group has mostly been involved in cyber-espionage, but security firms believe that the group possesses the technical tools and capability to physically compromise a system. 
 
For many observers, these attacks marked a turning point for infrastructure companies; they show that hackers are not only motivated and bold enough to launch attacks on infrastructure that jeopardise the wellbeing of individuals, but sophisticated enough to be successful. 
 
Moreover, the technologies involved in these attacks are ubiquitous and many are integral to traffic control systems, waterworks systems, and electricity supply networks. And, as clear in the Saudi Arabia attack, COTS software opens the door for cyber-criminals to purchase identical software in order to learn how it works so as to discover and exploit vulnerabilities.
Despite the advanced capabilities of hackers, organisations can take steps to protect themselves. For example, organisations can remediate vulnerabilities in COTS software through solutions designed to scan software and identify flaws. 
 
This attenuates concerns about hackers obtaining software and exploiting existing flaws because system glitches are routinely identified and remediated. Moreover, organisations need to recognise potentially malicious activity on their systems, such as repeat remote access requests, system activity at unusual times, and access request from harmful domains.
 
Unfortunately, it is likely that attacks that aim to physically interfere with software or security systems will only increase in the future. 
 
To combat this growing threat, organisations can take several steps:
 
Security By-Design: When developing smart infrastructure, organizations should design it not just with security to prevent intrusions, but to minimize damage in the event of a compromise. For example, should certain critical software be custom-designed to prevent easy analysis by hackers? Can physical, manual, and programmatic fail safes be included to prevent malicious events?
 
Enhanced Training: Companies should also strongly consider training board members and staff, including employees in non-technical departments, and those trainings should be tailored to employees’ responsibilities. For instance, board training should focus on the importance of investing in cyber-security and keeping the board appraised of liability risks posed by cyber threats. Likewise, non-technical employees should receive training on how to detect cyber threats, recognise common attack tactics like phishing emails, and most importantly what to do in the event of a suspected attack.
 
Cyber Insurance: Also a consideration for organisations is whether their insurance policies cover this type of harm. Cyber insurance typically contemplates coverage for unauthorised disclosure of personal or confidential data and does not necessarily factor in damage to persons or real property. Therefore, infrastructure and energy companies should confirm whether they are covered should they experience this type of attack
 
Cyber-security is an evolving threat that requires companies to adapt. 
 
There is no question that cyber threats will continue to grow more sophisticated and potentially, more dangerous. Therefore, it is imperative that organisations begin taking preventative measures now, especially when it comes to protecting systems that can affect the physical safety of a system.
 
Ultimately these conversations are better had before, rather than in the aftermath, of an attack.
 
New York Law Journal:
 
You Might Also Read:
 
US Accuses Russia Of Attacking Energy Infrastructure:
 
Attacks On UK Critical Infrastructure Will Double:
 
« GDPR Isn’t Enough Protection In An Age Of Smart Algorithms
New Website Design & Function. »

Infosecurity Europe
CyberSecurity Jobsite
Perimeter 81

Directory of Suppliers

Resecurity

Resecurity

Resecurity is a cybersecurity company that delivers a unified platform for endpoint protection, risk management, and cyber threat intelligence.

IT Governance

IT Governance

IT Governance is a leading global provider of information security solutions. Download our free guide and find out how ISO 27001 can help protect your organisation's information.

CSI Consulting Services

CSI Consulting Services

Get Advice From The Experts: * Training * Penetration Testing * Data Governance * GDPR Compliance. Connecting you to the best in the business.

ManageEngine

ManageEngine

As the IT management division of Zoho Corporation, ManageEngine prioritizes flexible solutions that work for all businesses, regardless of size or budget.

Infosecurity Europe, 3-5 June 2025, ExCel London

Infosecurity Europe, 3-5 June 2025, ExCel London

This year, Infosecurity Europe marks 30 years of bringing the global cybersecurity community together to further our joint mission of Building a Safer Cyber World.

Hack in the Box Security Conference (HitBSecConf)

Hack in the Box Security Conference (HitBSecConf)

HITBSecConf is a platform for the discussion and dissemination of next generation computer security issues. Our events feature two days of training and a two-day multi-track conference

Cybercom Group

Cybercom Group

Cybercom offers strategic advice, testing & quality assurance, security solutions, system development, integration, management and operation services.

SIGA

SIGA

SIGA provides cyber security solutions for Industrial Control Systems SCADA systems used in critical infrastructures and industrial processes.

DataProtect

DataProtect

DataProtect is a specialized information security company providing consultancy, information management, integration and training services.

Ledger

Ledger

Ledger is a leader in security and infrastructure solutions for cryptocurrencies and blockchain applications using its proprietary technology.

ACROS Security

ACROS Security

ACROS Security is a leading provider of security research, real penetration testing and code review for customers with the highest security requirements.

apiiro

apiiro

apiiro invented the industry-first Code Risk Platform™ that uses developers and code behavior analysis to accelerate delivery and automatically remediate product risk.

AgileBlue (Agile1)

AgileBlue (Agile1)

AgileBlue (formerly Agile1) is a managed breach detection company with an Autonomous SOC-as-a-Service for 24×7 monitoring, detection and guided response.

Intracom Telecom

Intracom Telecom

Intracom Telecom is a global telecommunication systems & solutions vendor offering a complete range of professional services and solutions including Information Security.

Terra Quantum

Terra Quantum

Terra Quantum is a deep tech pioneer, developing revolutionary quantum applications to shape the technology of the future.

SecurEyes

SecurEyes

SecurEyes is a leading cybersecurity firm that provides specialised services, including cybersecurity assessments, managed services, and governance risk and compliance services.

Smile Identity

Smile Identity

Smile Identity helps businesses confirm the true identity of their users in real-time using any smartphone or computer.

Protecto

Protecto

Make privacy and governance effortless. Brakes allow you to drive faster. Stronger data privacy and security enable companies to unlock the full potential of the data.

Sec3

Sec3

Sec3 is a security and research firm providing bespoke audits and cutting edge tools to Web3 projects.

Walacor

Walacor

Walacor’s secure data platform represents the next generation of secure data and blockchain storage with a trust-first approach that revolutionizes enterprise data, and database management systems.

CodeShield

CodeShield

CodeShield is a SaaS that helps software developers and security teams secure IAM in the public cloud. With us, you detect IAM privilege escalations easily and achieve least privilege.