Whether your industry focuses on critical infrastructure or not, you’ve probably heard about the importance of cyber standards. In fact, this is an area of vital importance, with increased cyber crime threats. This article will discuss the importance of setting cyber standards for critical infrastructure. It also addresses the issues surrounding the importance of insulating vital systems and the financial penalties that can result from non-compliance.
There should be high-level cybersecurity objectives for all critical infrastructure sectors. These standards apply to companies in sectors that impact national defence, transportation, power, healthcare and communications. Developing cyber standards for critical infrastructure requires careful consideration of a company’s specific line of business, processes, and projects.
A critical infrastructure cybersecurity policy must balance the needs of prevention, deterrence, identification, crisis management, damage control, and recovery. Cybersecurity requires a comprehensive understanding of the malicious actors, expanding attack surfaces, and the ramifications of a cyberattack. Developing critical infrastructure cybersecurity policy requires a combination of incentives, including a well-functioning public-private partnership, organised government leadership, and tailored incentives. Find out more about Cybersecurity Risk Management at a site such as jmpcyberinsurance.co.uk/cyber-security-risk-management
While most guidelines are designed for large companies, small businesses might not have the necessary resources to implement them. The cost of technical controls depends on the number of employees and devices, but establishing these standards is less expensive in the early stages of a company’s growth. By creating cybersecurity protocols early, new user accounts and hardware assets can be configured with minimal risk. Once these processes are set, they will only be known by company employees.
In addition to the need for cybersecurity, there are economic implications. A cyberattack on critical infrastructure could disrupt the economy, transportation systems, and national security. It could even cause mass casualties or evacuations. Further, a compromised technology can compromise devices and services, posing a threat to the economy and national security. If this happens, the entities that are vulnerable would be forced to bear additional security costs.
A clear standard for critical infrastructure cybersecurity is important. A law or regulation that sets clear cybersecurity standards will offer legal protection for actors that comply with it. In addition to offering a clean bill of health for those who meet the standards, it will ensure that all actors have the same level of protection. Without it, this standard will damage the government’s reputation and will be detrimental to the sharing ecosystem between public and private sector entities.