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.

Related Content you might be interested in

Current Title:

Small book image
Critical Infrastructure Security
Soledad Antelada Toledano
May, 2024 | 270 pages
Small book image
Cybersecurity Strategies and Best Practices
Milad Aslaner
May, 2024 | 252 pages
Small book image
Securing Industrial Control Systems and Safety Instrumented Systems
Mr. Jalal Bouhdada
Aug, 2024 | 256 pages
Small book image
The Complete Guide to Defense in Depth
Akash Mukherjee
Jul, 2024 | 298 pages
Table of Contents (16 chapters)
Preface
Preface
Who this book is for
What this book covers
Conventions used
Get in touch
Share Your Thoughts
Download a free PDF copy of this book
1
Part 1: Introduction to Critical Infrastructure and Cybersecurity Concepts
Part 1: Introduction to Critical Infrastructure and Cybersecurity Concepts
Free Chapter
2
Chapter 1: What is Critical Infrastructure?
Chapter 1: What is Critical Infrastructure?
Chemical sector
Commercial facilities sector
Communications sector
Critical manufacturing sector
Dams sector
Defense industrial base sector
Emergency services sector
Energy sector
Financial services sector
Food and agriculture services sector
Government facilities sector
Healthcare and public health sector
Information technology sector
Nuclear reactors, materials, and waste sector
Transportation system sector
Water and wastewater sector
Summary
References
3
Chapter 2: The Growing Threat of Cyberattacks on Critical Infrastructure
Chapter 2: The Growing Threat of Cyberattacks on Critical Infrastructure
A brief history of CI protection and attacks
The state of CI in the face of cyberattacks
National cybersecurity strategies
Summary
References
4
Chapter 3: Critical Infrastructure Vulnerabilities
Chapter 3: Critical Infrastructure Vulnerabilities
Understanding the difference between threat, vulnerability, and risk
Vulnerability assessment
Security vulnerability management life cycle
Most common vulnerabilities and threats in CI
Summary
References
5
Part 2: Dissecting Cyberattacks on CI
Part 2: Dissecting Cyberattacks on CI
6
Chapter 4: The Most Common Attacks Against CI
Chapter 4: The Most Common Attacks Against CI
DDoS attack
Ransomware attack
Supply chain attack
APT
Phishing
Common unpatched vulnerabilities
Summary
References
7
Chapter 5: Analysis of the Top Cyberattacks on Critical Infrastructure
Chapter 5: Analysis of the Top Cyberattacks on Critical Infrastructure
Stuxnet attack on Iran’s nuclear program (2010)
Ukrainian power grid attack (2015)
Dyn attack on internet infrastructure (2016)
WannaCry (2017)
NotPetya (2017)
SolarWinds attack (2020)
Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack (2021)
Summary
References
8
Part 3: Protecting Critical Infrastructure
Part 3: Protecting Critical Infrastructure
9
Chapter 6: Protecting Critical Infrastructure – Part 1
Chapter 6: Protecting Critical Infrastructure – Part 1
Network security and continuous monitoring
Security policy and frameworks
Summary
References
10
Chapter 7: Protecting Critical Infrastructure – Part 2
Chapter 7: Protecting Critical Infrastructure – Part 2
Systems security and endpoint protection
Application security
Summary
References
11
Chapter 8: Protecting Critical Infrastructure – Part 3
Chapter 8: Protecting Critical Infrastructure – Part 3
Incident response (IR)
Security culture and awareness
Executive orders
Summary
References
12
Part 4: What’s Next
Part 4: What’s Next
13
Chapter 9: The Future of CI
Chapter 9: The Future of CI
Increment and innovation of cybersecurity measures
More robust encryption implementation
Human factor and training
PPPs
Resilience and recovery
Integration of IoT and smart technologies
Supply chain security
Advancements in threat detection technologies
Greater regulatory and compliance requirements
Cross-sector collaboration
Summary
Conclusion
References
14
Index
Index
Why subscribe?
15
Other Books You May Enjoy
Other Books You May Enjoy
Packt is searching for authors like you
Share Your Thoughts
Download a free PDF copy of this book

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.

Previous Section
End of Section 4
Next Section