Peter Lenk, technical lead at Goldilock looks at the future of cyber security.
Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) systems, from power grids to healthcare networks, are increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks. High-profile incidents like the London hospital cyberattack of last summer, which led to thousands of cancelled appointments and surgeries, underscore the urgent need for a radical overhaul of CNI security strategies.
As cyber threats to CNI escalate, regulatory bodies worldwide are taking action. The EU's Directive (EU) 2022/2555 and the U.S. Strengthening American Cybersecurity Act of 2022 are examples of legislation mandating stronger cyber resilience measures for CNI systems. While these regulatory measures are a step in the right direction, traditional security approaches, often effective for IT systems, are insufficient to protect the unique complexities of CNI systems. A more comprehensive and tailored approach is required to mitigate these persistent threats.
CNI organisations must look beyond standard defence measures and adopt a proactive, three-phase approach that encompasses preparation, response, and recovery…
Phase one: Preparation
A strong foundation of cybersecurity is essential. Traditional cybersecurity measures like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption play a crucial role, as well as physical network segmentation - a powerful tool that significantly limits the impact of a breach. By isolating critical systems and data, organisations can contain the spread of an attack, preventing it from cascading across the entire network.
Introduction of advanced tools that allow continuous monitoring should be another factor to consider during this phase; this enables organisations to detect and respond to threats in real-time. Regular security audits and penetration testing can identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses. Additionally, educating employees about cyber threats and best practices, and fostering a culture of awareness can significantly reduce the risk of human error.
Once businesses have established a robust security posture and prepared their workforce, the next step is effective response.
Phase two: Response
A rapid and effective response is critical when a cyberattack occurs. Well-defined incident response plans, regularly tested, can guide organisations through the crisis, outlining specific steps from initial detection to containment and recovery. A comprehensive incident response plan should include strategies to contain and mitigate the impact of an attack. This can involve isolating compromised systems through network segmentation, which can be implemented remotely to limit the spread of the breach.
Clear lines of authority and responsibility are essential. Establishing a dedicated cyber resiliency organisation with well-defined decision-making authorities is critical. This ensures that during an incident, the need to mitigate and contain the attack is balanced effectively with the ongoing operational needs of the organisation.
As well as this, collaborating with law enforcement, cybersecurity agencies, and regulatory authorities can provide valuable insights, expertise, and support, enabling a more coordinated and effective response.
Many organisations prioritise building strong defences over everything else, focusing solely on prevention (aka phase one). While this is an imperative step, it's a common mistake to neglect the importance of effective response and recovery strategies. Even the most fortified systems can be breached, and by prioritising preparation alone, organisations risk being ill-equipped to handle a cyberattack when it occurs.
Phase three: Recovery
In the aftermath of an attack, restoration of critical systems and data will need to be as swift as possible to minimise disruption. Consider the consequences of the CrowdStrike breach back in July – the attack resulted in a widespread global IT outage that brought airports, hospitals, and other critical infrastructure to its knees.
Conducting thorough post-incident analysis can identify vulnerabilities and improve future defences. Implementing lessons learned from the incident can strengthen the overall security posture. Using this knowledge, businesses should build a comprehensive business continuity plan, which can help maintain essential operations during and after a cyberattack.
One strategy to accelerate recovery is through physical network segmentation. In the event of a breach, rapid reconnection of previously isolated, known-safe network segments can expedite the restoration of services. This approach, facilitated by next-generation physical air-gapping technology, can significantly reduce downtime and mitigate the overall impact of a cyberattack.
Securing the future
A common mistake businesses make with security today is over-investing in one phase at the expense of others. While a strong security foundation is essential, robust response and recovery plans are equally important. Organisations should allocate resources strategically across all three phases to ensure a comprehensive and effective cybersecurity strategy. By striking a balance between preparation, response, and recovery, CNI organisations can significantly reduce their risk exposure and build a more resilient future.