Securing Critical Infrastructure Against Cyber Attacks

Abstract

The infrastructure of contemporary society is driven by critical infrastructure (CI), which includes such vital sectors as transportation, energy, healthcare, and water systems. The growing dependency on digital technologies that are closely connected has opened up these systems to advanced cyber threats such as malware, ransomware, insider attacks, and advanced persistent threats. This study explores ways of protecting critical infrastructure against cyber attacks, with a particular focus on the combination of risk evaluation, new technologies, and effective defense systems. The analysis of critical methods network segmentation, intrusion detection, encryption, multi-factor authentication, and threat intelligence are discussed and discussed along with innovations like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and Zero Trust Architectures. The case studies of the most prominent cyber incidents are examined with the aim of determining the vulnerabilities, lessons learned, and best practices. The paper finishes with recommendations on how to become more resilient and enhance incident response and future research to tackle emerging cybersecurity issues in critical infrastructure settings.