The release of Nozomi Networks’ latest Labs OT & IoT security report has illustrated the importance of organisations implementing strong wireless network protection in defending against an onslaught of threat actors.
Twice a year, Nozomi Networks’ Labs OT & IoT security report offers invaluable advice to security professionals seeking to tighten cybersecurity for critical infrastructure, alongside sharing current information on the effectiveness and limitations of risk models.
The most recent report has unveiled prominent weaknesses in Australia’s wireless networks, leaving organisations gravely susceptible to attacks.
Nozomi Networks director of cybersecurity strategy Chris Grove says the global surge in cyberattacks on critical infrastructure emphasises the need to design networks that guarantee a safe, resilient and operationally efficient future.
“The systems we design and defend must not only withstand a barrage of threats in today’s multipolar world but also balance the need to operate safely at scale, where human lives are at stake,” he says.
Nozomi Networks director of cybersecurity strategy Chris Grove says the global surge in cyberattacks on critical infrastructure emphasises the need to design networks that guarantee a safe and operationally efficient future.
Australia climbs the ranks in cyber attack susceptibility
The report’s most concerning revelation is that in the last six months, Australia ascended to fourth place in the list of the top five most attacked countries, trailing the United States, Sweden and Germany. Australia has not previously featured in this list.
Australia reported the fourth-highest number of alerts per customer operating system, indicating a rise in attempts to infiltrate Australian critical infrastructure industries, including energy, communications, transportation systems and commercial facilities. The report noted the attacks primarily rely on impact, discovery, credential access and collection tactics.
Additionally, from an analysis of 500,000 wireless networks, the report found only six percent of networks are sufficiently protected against wireless de-authentication attacks. This acute vulnerability of systems means mission-critical facilities, such as hospitals, risk inadvertently enabling unauthorised access to patient data.
Such attacks in industrial environments can also disrupt automated processes, stop production lines and contribute to safety hazards for workers.
Companies wise to prioritise the most critical vulnerabilities
The report also revealed that, of the 619 vulnerabilities disclosed in the second half of 2024, 71 percent of vulnerabilities were classed as critical and 20 vulnerabilities were classed as high on the Exploit Prediction Scoring System (EPSS) scale, suggesting a strong likelihood of future exploitation.
The urgency to strengthen cybersecurity for critical manufacturing is reiterated by critical manufacturing accounting for 75 percent of all Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) reported by ICS security advisories over the past six months.
Grove and Nozomi’s team of researchers hope the report’s revelations will encourage organisations to proactively tackle critical vulnerabilities.
“By understanding these evolving threats and leveraging actionable insights, we can defend our critical infrastructure systems to ensure resilience, safety and operational continuity in an increasingly uncertain world,” Grove says.
Nozomi Networks’ Kevin Isaac on how intersectoral collaboration could save us from cyber attacks.
