A new report by Microsoft suggests that Australia's critical infrastructures, including parts of the energy grid and essential services such as sewage treatment plants, are in danger of being swept up in attacks from cyber criminals.
Based on the report, 75% of the most common control systems used by critical infrastructure organizations around the world, such as energy operators, are extremely vulnerable to cyberattacks.
As first reported by News.com.au, shutting down these important facilities could endanger a lot of Australians.
How Serious Are Cyberattacks
Cyberattacks against government facilities can have a variety of consequences, depending on the type of attack and the systems targeted.
Sensitive information, such as personal data, financial records, or confidential documents, is frequently stored in critical infrastructures. If this information is obtained or stolen during a cyberattack, it could be used for malicious purposes such as identity theft or espionage.
Furthermore, many state buildings provide important public services such as healthcare, emergency response, and utilities. If a cyberattack disrupts or breaks the systems that make these services possible, it could cause a lot of trouble for the people who use them.
A breach at the Australian health insurance firm Medibank Private in November revealed the data of 9.7 million current and previous clients, as well as their authorized representatives. Their names, dates of birth, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses are all included in the information.
Direct damage to infrastructures, such as power plants or transportation networks, can also be inflicted by cyberattacks. This type of damage can be difficult and costly to remediate, with far-reaching effects for the impacted community. This is what happened in Europe back in March after a huge cyber attack knocked out 5,800 wind turbines with a total output of 11 gigatonnes.
Aside from the practical consequences of a cyberattack, governmental facilities may suffer reputational damage if it is considered that they are unable to protect sensitive information or key services. This can erode public trust in the state and its ability to serve its inhabitants effectively.
Australian Companies Heed Warnings
Microsoft Australia's national security officer Mark Anderson said in the report that as Australian utility companies progressively automate their systems and connect their operations to IT networks, they are becoming more vulnerable to attack.
Based on the same Microsoft report, firms are increasingly discovering weak links in their systems, with a 78% increase in those exposing "high-severity vulnerabilities" in industrial control equipment from 2020 to 2022.
According to the report, Microsoft has noticed Chinese-linked threat actors targeting vulnerable home and small office routers in order to exploit these devices as launching pads for fresh attacks.
Data security watchdogs advise internet users to browse with awareness and caution. The PSA also emphasizes how cybercriminals are constantly looking for ways to profit at the expense of other people's personal safety.
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