Book Image

Critical Infrastructure Security

By : Soledad Antelada Toledano
Book Image

Critical Infrastructure Security

By: Soledad Antelada Toledano

Overview of this book

Discover the core of cybersecurity through gripping real-world accounts of the most common assaults on critical infrastructure – the body of vital systems, networks, and assets so essential that their continued operation is required to ensure the security of a nation, its economy, and the public’s health and safety – with this guide to understanding cybersecurity principles. From an introduction to critical infrastructure and cybersecurity concepts to the most common types of attacks, this book takes you through the life cycle of a vulnerability and how to assess and manage it. You’ll study real-world cybersecurity breaches, each incident providing insights into the principles and practical lessons for cyber defenders striving to prevent future breaches. From DDoS to APTs, the book examines how each threat activates, operates, and succeeds. Additionally, you’ll analyze the risks posed by computational paradigms, such as the advancement of AI and quantum computing, to legacy infrastructure. By the end of this book, you’ll be able to identify key cybersecurity principles that can help mitigate evolving attacks to critical infrastructure.
Table of Contents (16 chapters)
1
Part 1: Introduction to Critical Infrastructure and Cybersecurity Concepts
5
Part 2: Dissecting Cyberattacks on CI
8
Part 3: Protecting Critical Infrastructure
12
Part 4: What’s Next

Communications sector

The communications sector refers to the systems and networks that enable the transmission of information, including voice, data, and video, across various platforms. This sector includes wired and wireless communication networks, broadcasting systems, satellite systems, and internet service providers. The communications sector is essential for the functioning of many other CI sectors, including the energy, transportation, and financial sectors, and any disruption in this sector can have far-reaching consequences.

Impact of a compromised communications sector

If the communications sector were compromised or under attack, there would be significant disruptions to the functioning of many other CI sectors. For example, emergency responders rely on communication networks to coordinate their response efforts, and any disruption to these networks could impede their ability to effectively respond to emergencies. Disruptions to communication networks could also lead to disruptions in the supply chain, as logistics companies rely on these networks to track shipments and coordinate deliveries.

Cyberattack scenarios in the communications sector

There are several potential cyberattack scenarios that could target the communications sector. One such scenario is a DDoS attack, in which a network of compromised devices, known as a botnet, floods communication networks with traffic, making them inaccessible to legitimate users. Another scenario is a person-in-the-middle attack, in which an attacker intercepts communications between two parties and can either eavesdrop on the communication or modify it for their own purposes. A third scenario is a ransomware attack, in which an attacker encrypts critical data and demands payment in exchange for the decryption key. These are just a few examples of the many potential cyberattack scenarios that could target the communications sector. It is essential for organizations in this sector to take appropriate cybersecurity measures to prevent and mitigate the impact of these attacks.