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Possible Attacks and Threat Landscape

Emerging threats. Evolving risks. Critical impact — a timeline of how OT threats have escalated, and the attack scenarios we help clients defend against.

Threat Landscape

Emerging Threats. Evolving Risks. Critical Impact.

Ransomware Targets OT

Ransomware incidents begin disrupting industrial operations and causing significant downtime.

2016

Exploitation of OT Vulnerabilities

Attackers discover and exploit critical vulnerabilities in legacy and internet-connected OT systems.

2018

Supply Chain Attacks on OT

Attackers target vendors and third-party providers to gain access to OT environments.

2020

Nation-State Espionage & Disruption

Advanced persistent threats aim to gather intelligence and disrupt critical infrastructure.

2021

ICS Malware Evolves

Specialized malware (e.g., Triton, Industroyer) targets and causes critical infrastructure infrastructure.

2022

IoT & IIoT Expansion Increases Risk

More connected devices expand the attack surface and create new entry points for attackers.

2023

AI-Powered Attacks and Automation

Attackers leverage AI for faster reconnaissance, automation, and more sophisticated exploits.

2024

Rising Complexity and Geopolitical Risk

Convergence of IT/OT, geopolitical tensions, and evolving regulations increase the threat landscape.

2025+

Possible Attacks And Attack Vector

Why Are These Attacks Possible?
Legacy System
Default Configuration
Less/No Updates
Encryption Less/No
No Policies & Procedures
Less/No Segmentation
Latency Concerns
Legacy System
Default Configuration
Less/No Updates
Encryption Less/No
No Policies & Procedures
Less/No Segmentation
Latency Concerns
Secure by Design
Network Segmentation
Industry Standards Compliant (IEC 62443, NERC CIP)
High Availability
End-to-End Encryption
Audit & Logging
Attack Vectors
Reaching The OT Networks
Removable Media
Email Phishing and Attachments
Remote Technicians – VPN
Software Vulnerabilities
Guest Network & Unprotected Sockets
Lack of Network Segmentation
Removable Media
Email Phishing and Attachments
Remote Technicians – VPN
Software Vulnerabilities
Guest Network & Unprotected Sockets
Lack of Network Segmentation
Secure by Design
Network Segmentation
Industry Standards Compliant (IEC 62443, NERC CIP)
High Availability
End-to-End Encryption
Audit & Logging

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