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

Security vulnerability management life cycle

The security vulnerability life cycle outlines the stages that a security vulnerability goes through from its discovery to its eventual resolution. Understanding this life cycle is essential for organizations to effectively manage and respond to security vulnerabilities. The typical vulnerability life cycle consists of the following stages:

Figure 3.3 – Vulnerability management life cycle

Figure 3.3 – Vulnerability management life cycle

Let’s look at each of these stages.

Discovery

In this initial stage, a vulnerability is identified, either by security researchers, internal security teams, or even malicious actors. Vulnerabilities can be discovered through various means, such as security audits, vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, or incident investigations.

Assessment and prioritization

Once a vulnerability is discovered, it needs to be assessed to determine its severity and potential impact on the organization. Security...